Influence and assessment of AIBN on thermal hazard under process situations

Abstract

Free radical polymerization is an effective method for large-scale production of various olefin polymers, in which the initiator is one of the emphases in the study of different chain reaction mechanisms in chemical industry. The azo compounds are widely used in organic synthesis to initiate chain reactions. Azos are divided into different types according to the applicable temperature range. 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) is suitable for moderate temperatures and well known. In the past, the chemical and free radical reactions of 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) have been studied. However, the kinetic model and reaction mechanism of initiators under process conditions are still lacking. The thermal hazard characteristics evaluated by process situation of 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) were discussed in this study. The kinetics analysis on AIBN is based on detailed information including rate constants, reaction orders and activation energies of the decomposition reaction. Simulated heat exchange patterns of initiators between bulk packaging and the environment can be used to collect relevant heat hazard parameters. The results of the analysis are directly related to the storage and transportation safety of the 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile). Finally, a series of evaluation models about the thermal safety of initiators are constructed and analyzed by simulating the runaway modes of the 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) at different temperatures.