STABLE PYROLYSIS PRODUCTS OF CELLULOSE EXPOSED TO INTENSE THERMAL RADIATION,
Abstract
The volatile pyrolysis products generated from cellulose as a function of time before, during and after ignition in air are estimated from gas chromatography analyses of vapors evolved during exposures of cellulose to intense radiant energy in a helium atmosphere. In all, 24 components were resolved and 18 identifiedd. Most of the compounds contain a carbonyl group or carbon-carbon unsaturation and several contain both. The chromatographically measured components comprise 20 to 50% of the exposure weight loss. The remainder is believed to be mostly levoglucosan. With regard to the phenomenon of spontaneous flaming ignition, the most interesting of the chromatographically-measured products are hydrogen, methane, ethylene and ethane. These substances either appear for the first time in the chromatograms or show a large increase in amount at exposure duration corresponding to ignition in air. Arguments are presented for concluding that these products do not derive from cellulose per se, but are rather products of secondary reactions in the surface char layer. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0458764
Entities
People
- R. W. Ramstad
- S. B. Martin
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory