Thermal decomposition behavior of 1,2-bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane

The thermal decomposition behavior of 1, 2 -bi s-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) widely used as flame retardant plastics additive was studied by HRTG and differential scanning calorimetries. It was pyrolysed in inert atmosphere at 240 and 340 degreesC in isothermal conditions, the decomposition products were collected and investigated by means of IR and GC-MS, most of them are identified. It was found that BTBPE mostly evaporates at 240 degreesC. The decomposition products at 340 degreesC depend on rate of their removal from the hot reaction zone. Main primary decomposition products found in case of rapid removal are tribromophenol and vinyl tribromophenyl ether. Whereas, prolonged contact with heating zone also produces hydrogen bromide, ethylene bromide, polybrominated vinyl phenyl ethers and diphenyl ethers, and dibenzodioxins. The nature of the identified compounds are in accordance with a molecular and radical pyrolysis reaction pathway. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.