Kinetic models for the thermal decomposition of commercial PVC resins and plasticizers studied by thermogravimetric analysis

The thermal decomposition behaviour of ten commercial PVC resins has been studied by thermogravimetry. A certain correlation of their behaviour has been observed only with their particle size distribution, and not with their molecular weight distribution or branching. Eight commercial plasticizers of the phthalate and adipate groups have also been studied by thermogravimetry. Different kinetic models have been suggested for the correlation of the weight loss data at four heating rates for two of the resins and three of the plasticizers. In the case of the resins, only the more complicated models are capable of explaining the asymmetry of the derivative curves. In the case of the plasticizers, a single model satisfactorily explains the behaviour observed. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited