PYROLYSIS AND INCINERATION OF CATIONIC AND ANIONIC ION-EXCHANGE RESINS - IDENTIFICATION OF VOLATILE DEGRADATION COMPOUNDS

Thermal analysis techniques (thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry acid differential thermal analysis), combined with the identification of volatile products by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to study the thermal degradation of cationic and anionic ion-exchange resins in air (incineration) and in nitrogen (pyrolysis). Thermal degradation proceeds via three decomposition stages with both resins under the oxidizing atmosphere and via two stages under nitrogen. The resins exhibited different degradation behavior; a greater number of volatile products were identified during the degradation of the anionic resin compared with the cationic one. The incineration of both resins with direct introduction at 800 degrees C was complete, unlike pyrolysis which resulted in the formation of various high molecular weight compounds. Both thermal degradation techniques induce the formation of hazardous products. The presence of these products should be taken into account since they cause air pollution.