Apparent Decomposition Research Articles

Flow Characteristics in Cocurrent Upflow Bubble Column Dispersed with Micro-Bubbles

The flow characteristics and decomposition performance in the cocurrent upflow bubble column dispersed with micro-bubbles were experimentally examined. A micro-bubble generator was installed at the bottom of the column, and for comparison the sintered glass gas sparger was set at the lower part of the column.When milli-bubbles coexist with dispersed micro-bubbles, micro-bubbles disappear. This is considered because micro-bubbles are absorbed into the wake of milli-bubbles. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient is higher for micro-bubbles than for milli-bubbles, but the mass transfer coefficient is much lower for the former than for the latter. The apparent decomposition rate constant strongly depends on the volumetric coefficient. When the volumetric coefficient is higher, the rate constant of micro-bubbles is higher than that of milli-bubbles.

Copolymers of 4‐(1‐methyl‐1‐mesityl‐3‐cyclobutyl)‐2‐N‐1, 3‐thiazole‐2‐yl methacrylamide with 2‐[(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl) amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl methacrylate: Synthesis, characterization, monomer reactivity ratios and biological activity

AbstractThe free radical copolymerization of 4‐(1‐methyl‐1‐mesityl‐3‐cyclobutyl)‐2‐N‐1, 3‐thiazole‐2‐yl methacrylamide (MCTMA) with 2‐[(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl methacrylate (IAOEMA) has been carried out in 1, 4‐dioxane at 65 °C ± 1 and were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. 1H‐NMR analysis was used to determine the molar fractions of MCTMA and IAOEMA in the copolymers. The monomer‐reactivity ratios were calculated according to the general copolymerization equation using Kelen–Tüdõs and Finemann–Ross linearization methods. The reactivity ratios indicated a tendency toward random copolymerization. The polydispersity indices of the polymers, determined with gel permeation chromatography, suggested a strong tendency for chain termination by disproportionation. The thermal behaviors of copolymers with various compositions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The glass‐transition temperature of the copolymers increased with increasing MCTMA content in the copolymers. Also, the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies were calculated by the Ozawa method with a Shimadzu TGA 60 thermogravimetric analysis thermobalance. All the products showed moderate activity against different strains of bacteria and fungi. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 530–542, 2008

Thermodegradation of poly(4-vinylpyridine- co-crotonic acid- co-divinylbenzene) and N-oxide derivatives

Copolymer networks based on 4-vinylpyridine (4VPy)/crotonic acid (CrA)/divinylbenzene (DVB) and their N-oxide derivatives have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) to evaluate their thermal stability in nitrogen atmosphere at fixed heating rate. Thermal stability was determined from TG curves to investigate the influence of 4VPy content and introduction of N-oxide groups. The TG and DTG curves of unmodified copolymers clearly show two thermodegradation stage and the same kinetic pathway. The decomposition temperatures do not depend on the 4VPy content. The copolymers modified by oxidation present lower thermostability than unmodified showing that the introduction of N-oxide groups modifies their kinetic pathways. A kinetic model Ozawa was used to determine the kinetic parameters. The apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (Δ E d) of the unmodified copolymer under nitrogen was higher than that in modified copolymer. Also, the characterizations of copolymer networks were done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Thermodegradation of Poly(4-Vinylpyridine-co-Maleic Acid-co-Divinylbenzene) and N-oxide Derivatives: Modeling of TG and DTG Curves

Copolymer networks based on 4-vinylpyridine (4VPy)/maleic acid (MA)/divinylbenzene (DVB) and their N-oxide derivatives have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) to evaluate their thermal stability in nitrogen atmosphere at fixed heating rate. Thermal stability was determined from TG curves to investigate the influence of 4VPy content and introduction of N-oxide groups. The TG and DTG curves of unmodified copolymers clearly show one thermodegradation stage and the same kinetic pathway. The decomposition temperatures do not depend on the 4VPy content. The copolymers modified by oxidation present lower thermostability than unmodified showing that the introduction of N-oxide groups modifies their kinetic pathways. A kinetic model Ozawa was used to determine the kinetic parameters. The apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (Δ E d) of the unmodified copolymer under nitrogen was higher than that in modified copolymer.

Copolymers of 2‐[(5‐Methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl Methacrylate with Ethyl Methacrylate: Monomer Reactivity Ratios, Thermal Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

We report the monomer reactivity ratios for copolymers of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and a reactive monomer, 2‐[(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl methacrylate (IAOEMA), using the Fineman‐Ross, Kelen‐Tüdös, and a nonlinear error invariable model method using a computer program RREVM. Copolymers were obtained by radical polymerization initiated by α,α'‐azobisisobutyronitrile in 1,4‐dioxane solution and were analyzed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. Elemental analysis was used to determine the molar fractions of EMA and IAOEMA in the copolymers. The reactivity ratios indicated a tendency toward ideal copolymerization. The polydispersity indices of the polymers determined using gel permeation chromatography suggest a strong tendency for chain termination by disproportionation. Thermal behaviors of copolymers with various compositions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed that glass transition temperature of copolymers increased with increasing of IAOEMA content in copolymers. Also, the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (ΔEd) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance. The homo‐ and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial properties against selected microorganisms. All the products show moderate activity against different strains of bacteria, fungi and yeast.

Synthesis of Nano-sized Yttria via a Sol-Gel Process Based on Hydrated Yttrium Nitrate and Ethylene Glycol and Its Catalytic Performance for Thermal Decomposition of NH 4ClO 4

Nano-sized yttria particles were synthesized via a non-aqueous sol-gel process based on hydrated yttrium nitrate and ethylene glycol. The effects of the molar ratio of ethylene glycol to yttrium ion and calcination temperature on crystallite size of the products were studied. The catalytic performance of the as-prepared yttria for the ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that the nano-sized cubic yttria particles with less than 20 nm in average crystallite size can be obtained after 2 h reflux at 70 °C, dried at 90 °C, forming xerogel, and followed by annealing of xerogel for 2 h, and that the addition of the nano-sized yttria to AP incorporates two small exothermic peaks of AP in the temperature ranges of 310 ∼ 350 °C and 400 ∼ 470 °C into a strong exothermic peak of AP and increases the apparent decomposition heat from 515 to over 1110 J·g −1. It is also clear that the temperature of AP decomposition exothermic peak decreases and the apparent decomposition heat of AP increases with the increase of the amount of nano-sized yttria. The fact that the addition of the 5% nano-sized yttria to AP decreases the temperature of AP exothermic peak to 337.7 °C by reduction of 114.6 °C and increases the apparent decomposition heat from 515 to 1240 J·g −1, reveals that nano-sized yttria shows strong catalytic property for AP thermal decomposition.

Hydroxylation of benzene in the system vanadium(V)-hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid

Hydroxylation of benzene in acetic acid at 323 K was studied in the presence of a sodium orthovanadate catalyst. With hydrogen peroxide as aqueous solution, the yield of phenol was 12–14%. With hydrogen peroxide generated from dry sodium peroxide, the yield of phenol could be improved to 21–23%. The apparent decomposition rate constants of hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid are presented.

Ethylene Trimerization Catalysts Based on Chromium Complexes with a Nitrogen-Bridged Diphosphine Ligand Having ortho-Methoxyaryl or ortho-Thiomethoxy Substituents: Well-Defined Catalyst Precursors and Investigations of the Mechanism

Chromium-based ethylene trimerization catalyst precursors ((PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12))CrPh_3 (4) and (PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12))CrPh_2Cl (7)) having a bis(diphenylphosphino)amine ligand (o-CD_3OC_6H_4)_2PN(CH_3)P(o-CD_3OC_6H_4)_2 ((PNP^(OMe)_(-d)_(12)) = 1) have been prepared and characterized. A thioether analogue (o-CD_3SC_6H_4)_2PN(CH_3)P(o-CD_3SC_6H_4)_2 ((PNP^(SMe)_(-d)_(12)) = 2) and its triphenylchromium complex (PNP^(SMe))CrPh_3 (5) have also been synthesized. The solid-state structures of 4 and 7 display octahedral geometries with a κ^3-(P,P,O) coordination of PNP^(OMe) ligands having chromium−oxygen bond lengths of 2.29−2.44 A. Compound 5 differs, exhibiting (S,P,S)-κ^3 coordination of the PNP^(SMe) ligand. The deuteromethyl groups allow for ^2H NMR characterization of these paramagnetic complexes in solution. Dynamic exchange processes occur in solution at room temperature to render all four of the methoxy or thioether groups equivalent on the ^2H NMR time scale; two distinct coalescence processes are observed by variable-temperature ^2H NMR spectroscopy for all compounds. The neutral species 4 and 7 react with ethylene (1 atm) by insertion into chromium−phenyl bonds with the release of styrene and ethylbenzene, but 1-hexene is not observed under these conditions. Activation of 4 by protonation and activation of 7 by halide abstraction in the presence of ethylene provide active trimerization catalysts that give turnover numbers for 1-hexene as high as 3000 mol 1-hexene·mol^(-1) Cr. These catalysts display comparable activity and selectivity for 1-hexene compared to the original BP system, where the catalyst is generated in situ from CrCl_3(THF)_3, 1, and MAO. Both the well-defined systems and the CrCl_3(THF)_3/PNP^(OMe)/MAO system provide catalysts that undergo an initiation period followed by an apparent first-order decomposition process. Activated complexes 4 and 7 initiate trimerization primarily through ethylene insertion into the chromium−phenyl bond, followed by β-hydrogen elimination and reductive elimination to give the active species, rather than via reductive elimination of biphenyl.

Microbial Screening of Copolymers of N‐Vinylimidazole with Phenacyl Methacrylate: Synthesis and Monomer Reactivity Ratios

N‐vinylimidazole (VIM), and phenacyl methacrylate (PAMA) copolymerized with different feed ratios using 1,4‐dioxane as a solvent and α,α'‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator at 60°C. Structure and composition of copolymers for a wide range of monomer feed were determined by elemental analysis (content of N for VIM‐units) and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy through recorded analytical absorption bands for VIM (670 cm−1 for C‐N of imidazole ring) and PAMA (1730 cm−1 for C˭O of ester group) units, respectively. Monomer reactivity ratios for VIM (M1)‐PAMA (M2) pair were determined by the application of conventional linearization methods such as Fineman‐Ross (F‐R) and Kelen‐Tüdös (KT) and a nonlinear error invariable model method using a computer program RREVM. The molecular weights (w and n) and polydispersity indices of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal behaviors of copolymers with various compositions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Also, the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (ΔEd) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of polymers were also tested on various bacteria, fungi and yeast.

Decomposition of Toluene and Acetone in Packed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactors

The influences of TiO2 catalytic material and glass pellet packing on the decomposition efficiency of toluene and acetone in air by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors were experimentally investigated in this study. The effects of both packing materials on the formation of byproducts such as CO and CO2 were also evaluated. Experimental results indicate that the introduction of glass materials into the plasma zone of a wire-tube reactor would improve the decomposition efficiency of toluene and acetone compared to a nonpacked reactor. The apparent decomposition rate constant of a glass packed-bed reactor was 4.5–4.8 times greater than that of a nonpacked reactor. The results also indicate that the decomposition rate constant of toluene was approximately 2.6 times higher than that of acetone no matter which type reactor was utilized. The application of TiO2 coated pellets in DBD reactors will enforce the hydrocarbon byproducts to further be oxidized to CO2, notwithstanding, it will not significantly improve the performance of the reactors in the decomposition of toluene and acetone, and in the formation of CO. The results show that the best selectivity of CO2 for acetone decomposition in a TiO2 coated pellets packed-bed reactor was approximately 40% higher than that in a glass packed-bed reactor.

2‐[(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl methacrylate with glycidyl methacrylate copolymers: Synthesis, thermal properties, monomer reactivity ratios, and antimicrobial activity

AbstractWe report the monomer reactivity ratios for copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and a reactive monomer, 2‐[(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)amino]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl methacrylate (IAOEMA), using the Fineman–Ross method, the Kelen–Tüdös method, and a nonlinear error invariablemodel method with the computer program RREVM. Copolymers were obtained by radical polymerization initiated by α,α′‐azobisisobutyronitrile in a 1,4‐dioxane solution and were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. Elemental analysis was used to determine the molar fractions of GMA and IAOEMA in the copolymers. The reactivity ratios indicated a tendency toward random copolymerization. The polydispersity indices of the polymers, determined with gel permeation chromatography, suggested a strong tendency for chain termination by disproportionation. The thermal behaviors of copolymers with various compositions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The glass‐transition temperature of the copolymers increased with increasing IAOEMA content in the copolymers. Also, the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies were calculated by the Ozawa method with a Setaram Labsys thermogravimetric analysis thermobalance. All the products showed moderate activity against different strains of bacteria and fungi. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2901–2911, 2005

New Poly(Methacrylate)s Containing Benzylpiperazine and Methylpiperidine Moieties

The synthesis of two new methacrylate esters containing 2-(4-benzyl piperazin-1-yl)-2-oksoethyl and 2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-2-oksoethyl group are described. The monomers produced from the reaction of corresponding 4-methylpiperidinechloroacetamide and 1-benzylpiperazinechloroacetamide with sodium methacrylate were polymerized in DMSO solution at 65 °C using AIBN as an initiator. The monomers and their polymers were characterized by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature of the polymers were investigated by DSC and the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (E d ) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance. By using gel permeation chromatography, weight average ( $$\overline M _{\rm{w}} $$ ) and number average ( $$\overline M _{\rm{n}} $$ ) molecular weights and polidispersity, indices of the polymers were determined.

Elucidating the significance of beta-hydride elimination and the dynamic role of acid/base chemistry in a palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of alcohols.

The mechanistic details of aerobic alcohol oxidation with catalytic Pd(IiPr)(OAc)(2)(H(2)O) (IiPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) are disclosed. Under optimal conditions, beta-hydride elimination is rate-limiting supported by kinetic studies including a high primary kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value of 5.5 +/- 0.1 and a Hammett rho value of -0.48 +/- 0.04. On the basis of these studies, a late transition state is proposed for beta-hydride elimination, which is further corroborated by theoretical calculations using density functional theory. Additive acetic acid modulates the rates of both the alcohol oxidation sequence and regeneration of the Pd catalyst. With no additive [HOAc], turnover-limiting reprotonation of intermediate palladium peroxo is kinetically competitive with beta-hydride elimination, allowing for reversible oxygenation and decomposition of Pd(0). With additive [HOAc] (>2 mol %), reprotonation of the palladium peroxo is fast and beta-hydride elimination is the single rate-controlling step. This proposal is supported by an apparent decomposition pathway modulated by [HOAc], a change in alcohol concentration dependence, a lack of [O(2)] dependence at high [HOAc], and significant changes in the KIE values at different HOAc concentrations.

Copolymerization of 2-(4-tert-butylphenoxy)-2-oxo-ethyl Methacrylate with Methyl Methacrylate and Styrene: Synthesis, Characterization, and Monomer Reactivity Ratios

A tertierbutylphenoxy group containing methacrylate based monomer 2-(4-tert-butylphenoxy)-2-oxo-ethyl methacrylate (TBPOEMA) was synthesized by reacting 4-tertierbutylphenyl chloroacetate (TBPClAcO) with sodium methacrylate in acetonitrile. TBPClAcO was prepared by reacting tertierbutylphenol dissolved in benzene with chloroacetylchloride. The free-radical-initiated copolymerization of TBPOEMA, with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (ST) was carried out in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) solution at 65 °C using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer-to-monomer ratios in the feed. The monomer TBPOEMA and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral studies. The copolymer composition obtained from the 1H-NMR spectra led to the determination of reactivity ratios. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Finemann–Ross and Kelen–Tudos linear methods and the Behnken nonlinear least-squares method. The analysis of reactivity ratios revealed that MMA and ST are more reactive than TBPOEMA, and copolymers formed are statistical in nature. The molecular weights $$\overline M $$ w and $$\overline M $$ n) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permation chromagtography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveal that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with an increase in the mole fraction of TBPOEMA in the copolymers. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to decrease with an increase in the mole fraction of TBPOEMA in the copolymers. The apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (E d) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance.

Cationic Iridium Phosphines Partnered with [closo-CB11H6Br6]-: (PPh3)2Ir(H)2(closo-CB11H6Br6) and [(PPh3)2Ir(η2-C2H4)3][closo-CB11H6Br6]. Relevance to Counterion Effects in Olefin Hydrogenation

Treatment of [(PPh3)2Ir(COD)][closo-CB11H6Br6] with H2 in CH2Cl2 solution affords crystallographically characterized (PPh3)2Ir(H)2(closo-CB11H6Br6), in which the weakly coordinating carborane anion is bound to the metal center. In solution the anion rapidly dissociates/recombines with the metal center, and this process can be frozen out at −50 °C. At lower temperatures (−80 °C) a solvent-stabilized complex [(PPh3)2Ir(H)2(CH2Cl2)][closo-CB11H6Br6] is suggested to also be present. (PPh3)2Ir(H)2(closo-CB11H6Br6) reacts with ethene to give the tris-ethene complex [(PPh3)2Ir(η2-C2H4)3][closo-CB11H6Br6]. Subsequent addition of hydrogen returns (PPh3)2Ir(H)2(closo-CB11H6Br6). This cycle can be repeated a number of times without apparent decomposition, with the anion acting in a “catch and release” manner, stabilizing the metal center when needed. This stabilization is also apparent for the hydrogenation of cyclohexene with (PPh3)2Ir(H)2(closo-CB11H6Br6) as a catalyst. The complex may be reused up to five times, ...

Synthesis, spectral and thermal properties of homo- and copolymers of 2-[(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)amino]-2-oxo-ethyl methacrylate with styrene and methyl methacrylate and determination of monomer reactivity ratios

The methacrylate monomer, 2-[(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)amino]-2-oxo-ethyl methacrylate (IAOEMA), was synthesized by reacting 2-chloro- N-(5-methylisoxazol)acetamide dissolved in acetonitrile with sodium methacrylate in the presence of triethylbenzylammoniumchloride (TEBAC). The free-radical-initiated copolymerization of IAOEMA, with styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) solution at 65 °C using 2,2 ′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer-to-monomer ratios in the feed. The monomer (IAOEMA) and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral studies. The copolymer composition was evaluated by nitrogen content in polymers led to the determination of reactivity ratios. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös methods. The analysis of reactivity ratios revealed that ST and MMA are more reactive than IAOEMA, and copolymers formed are statisticalle in nature. The molecular weights ( M w and M n) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromagtography. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to increase with an increase in the mole fraction of IAOEMA in the copolymers. The apparent thermal decomposition activation energies ( E d) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance.

Mushrooms and taphonomy: the fungi that mark woodland graves

Two closely related chemoecological groups of fungi, the ammonia fungi and the postputrefaction fungi, have been associated with the decomposition by-products of cadavers. Sporocarps have been observed in disparate woodlands across the world and often mark sites of graves. These groups of fungi provide visible markers of the sites of cadaver decomposition and follow repeated patterns of successional change as apparent decomposition proceeds. We suggest these phenomena may become a useful tool for crime scene investigation, forensic archaeology and forensic taphonomy.

Decomposition of volatile organic compounds and nitric oxide by nonthermal plasma discharge processes

Two types of nonthermal plasma processes such as pulsed corona discharge and dielectric barrier discharge were investigated for the decomposition of volatile organic compounds and nitric oxide. The performance equation of the plasma reactor was derived with the assumption that the decomposition rate of the pollutant is directly proportional to the concentration of the pollutant and the discharge power. From this model equation and the experimental decomposition data, the apparent decomposition rate constants of various organic compounds and nitric oxide were determined. Alkene and substituted alkene were found to have much larger decomposition rate constants than aromatics and substituted alkane compounds, which implies that the decomposition of the derivatives of aromatics and alkanes requires more energy. To verify the validity of the model derived, the experimental data in the present study and in the literature were compared with the calculation results, and relatively good agreements were achieved between them.

Thermal properties of side‐chain phosphorus‐containing epoxide cured with amine

AbstractGlycidyloxy diphenylphosphine oxide (GDPPO), a side‐chain phosphorus‐containing monoepoxide, was prepared. The compound, GDPPO, was mixed with 4,4′‐diglycidylether of bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin, DER 331. The reaction kinetics of the mixture, GDPPO–DER 331, cured with diethyltriamine (DETA), and the thermal decomposition properties of the thermosets were studied. For the GDPPO–DER 331–DETA curing systems, it was found that the activation energy of the curing reaction is 45.0 kJ/mol for the GDPPO–DETA system, and it decreases with the content of GDPPO. According to the method of Ozawa, the average apparent thermal decomposition activation energies of the thermosets with phosphorus‐containing monoepoxide are from 138.5 to 178.1 kJ/mol, which are higher than that of the DER 331–DETA system (95.8 kJ/mol). However, the lower crosslinking density and gel fraction of the system with the phosphorus‐containing monoepoxide, GDPPO, result in poor protection of the intumescent char during thermal decomposition; thus, the char yield and limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the cured specimens decrease with increasing GDPPO. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2741–2748, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10161

Thermal properties of main‐chain phosphorus‐containing epoxide cured with amine

AbstractA main‐chain phosphorus‐containing diepoxide, bis‐glycidyloxy phenylphosphate (BGPP), was synthesized, then blended with various contents of a 4,4′‐diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐type epoxy resin, DER 331. The curing reactions of the blended resins with diethyltriamine (DETA) and the thermal properties of the cured specimens were investigated with an infrared spectrophotometer, a differential scanning calorimeter, and a thermogravimetry analyzer. The activation energy is 51.2 kJ/mol for the BGPP–DETA curing system, and it increases with the content of DER 331 for the BGPP–DER 331–DETA systems. The average apparent decomposition activation energies of the thermosets with phosphorus‐containing epoxide are from 147.3 to 165.1 kJ/mol, which are higher than that of the DER 331–DETA system (95.8 kJ/mol). The BGPP–DETA system shows a relatively higher char yield and limiting oxygen index (LOI) value, 29–31, but the thermoset with BGPP results in a decrease in the Tg. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2733–2740, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10160