Flash pyrolysis of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) .1. Analysis and implications of the gaseous products

Flash pyrolysis of structurally different hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene polymers (HTPB) was conducted at 600 degrees C/s to constant temperatures in the 450 degrees-609 degrees C range under 2 and 11 atm of applied pressure. T-Jump/FTIR spectroscopy was used. With chemometric procedures based on the entire mid-IR spectrum, 13 gaseous products representing at least 70% of the polymer were identified and quantified. Contrary to previous indications that butadiene and 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene dominate, the Irans-butadiene oligomers are major products. These oligomers are probably responsible for smoke formation. The product concentrations are sensitive to the temperature below 500 degrees-530 degrees C and 2 atm Ar, but are relatively insensitive to the temperature above 500 degrees-530 degrees C.