Thermal Decomposition and Combustion Behavior of Plastics with Flame Retardant

Abstract

In order to develop effective combustion and gasification system of waste plastics, thermal decomposition and combustion characteristics of plastics compounds flame retardant were investigated. Polypropylene (PP) with flame retardant, which was composed by Al (OH) ₃ or (NH₄PO₃) _n, was decomposed in an image furnace. Mass reduction during thermal decomposition and combustion was measured by an electric micro-balance. The gas components produced by the thermal decomposition and combustion were analyzed with gas analyzer. Soluble organic fraction (SOF) components in a condensable emission during the decomposition process were analyzed with a PM analyzer. SOF and solid carbon in the remains after the thermal decomposition were also analyzed by the PM analyzer. The oxygen concentration was changed from 0% to 21% and the content of flame retardant was changed from 0% to 50%. It was found that flame retardant had small effect on the thermal decomposition temperature. Gas components produced by thermal decomposition and combustion were changed corresponding to the content of flame retardant.