A simple model of polymer pyrolysis including transport of volatiles

Mathematical models and physical understanding of polymer pyrolysis are key tools in predicting the fire safety performance of polymeric materials. Wi thout a suitably realistic view of the processes occurring in the solid pha se during gasification, flame spread or ignition phenomena cannot be accura tely or reliably predicted. Most models of polymer pyrolysis neglect to inc lude two key factors: change of volume during pyrolysis and transport of vo latile gases. In this paper, a simple model of volatile transport is incorp orated into a model of pyrolysis, which includes change of volume. The qual itative effect of volatile transport is discussed and is found to be partic ularly important at low heat fluxes, moderate solid thermal conductivity an d moderate decomposition temperature range. The shortcomings of the simple model are also discussed and suggestions for further work are included. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.