A kinetic analysis of thermal degradation of polymers using a dynamic method

A new method of kinetic analysis using a dynamic model which accounts for t he thermal degradation of the polymer at any time, is proposed. The method was applied to predict the thermal degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylen e (LLDPE) by a conventional nonisothermal thermogravimetric technique at se veral heating rates between 10 and 50 degrees C/min. In addition, the vario us analytical methods reported in the literature were used in comparison wi th the kinetic analysis results obtained from the dynamic method. It was fo und that the dynamic method gave a reliable value of kinetic parameters, an d the apparent activation energy and overall reaction order of HDPE were la rger than those of LDPE and LLDPE. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.