HIGH ENERGY FUELS PROJECT. VOLUME 2. THEORY OF DIBORANE PYROLYSIS
Abstract
Analog computer evaluation of possible diborane pyrolysis mechanisms resulted in selection of one in which unstable species B3H7 and B4H8 play important roles. Rate constants were determined at 112.4 C. for the complex set of differential equations based on this mechanism to provide good agreement between computer-produced curves and those determined from extensive experimental data. Diborane was pyrolyzed at 90.0, 100.0, 112.4, 126.1 and 140.0 C. for various periods of time, the system was quenched, and the products analyzed. A number of copyrolysis studies were also performed in which B4H10, B5H11, B5H9, B10H14, or H2 was introduced initially, in order to study the effect of each of these species on the conversion of diborane and the formation of other species. After examination of the data, it was possible to postulate reaction mechanisms for diborane pyrolysis. Differential equations based on these mechanisms were derived, and rate constants at 112.4 C. were estimated. These equations were integrated with an analog computer, which produced curves corresponding to all components in the system. Rate constants were adjusted to achieve the best agreement possible between the experimental curves and those produced by the computer. Two series of copyrolysis studies corresponding to 23 and 24 factorial statistical patterns were then simulated on the computer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0402995
Entities
People
- T. W. Clapper