Skip to main content
Log in

Parameterization and Validation of Pyrolysis Models for Polymeric Materials

  • Published:
Fire Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A methodology for parameterization of pyrolysis models for polymeric solids is proposed. This methodology is based on a series of experiments including thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared radiation absorption measurement and controlled atmosphere, radiation-driven gasification experiments involving simultaneous sample mass and temperature monitoring. These experiments are interpreted using a transient pyrolysis model run in an infinitely fast (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) transport modes to derive a complete property set. This property set is subsequently validated by comparing the mass loss rate histories obtained from the gasification experiments to the model predictions. For a range of previously studied materials, these predictions were found to be, on average, within 10 to 20% of the experimental values. This manuscript provides an overview of this methodology, accompanied by examples of its application, identifies its imitations and suggests paths for future development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Poutsma ML (2003) Reexamination of the pyrolysis of polyethylene: data needs, free-radical mechanistic considerations, and thermochemical kinetic simulation of initial product-forming pathways. Macromolecules 36:8931–8957

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Li J, Stoliarov SI (2013) Measurement of kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal degradation for non-charring polymers. Combust Flame 160:1287–1297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Li J, Gong J, Stoliarov SI (2014) Gasification experiments for pyrolysis model parameterization and validation. Int J Heat Mass Transf 77:738–744

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Li J, Stoliarov SI (2014) Measurement of kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal degradation for charring polymers. Polym Degrad Stab 106:2–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Li J, Gong J, Stoliarov SI (2015) Development of pyrolysis models for charring polymers. Polym Degrad Stab. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.03.003

  6. McKinnon MB, Stoliarov SI, Witkowski A (2013) Development of a pyrolysis model for corrugated cardboard. Combust Flame 160:2595–2607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Semmes MR, Liu X, McKinnon MB, Stoliarov SI, Witkowski A (2014) A model for oxidative pyrolysis of corrugated cardboard. In: Proceedings of the eleventh international symposium on fire safety science

  8. Stoliarov SI, Lyon RE (2008) Thermo-kinetic model of burning. Federal Aviation Administration Technical Note, DOT/FAA/AR-TN08/17. Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC

  9. Stoliarov SI, Leventon IT, Lyon RE (2014) Two-dimensional model of burning for pyrolyzable solids. Fire Mater 38:391–408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Lautenberger C, Fernandez-Pello C (2009) Generalized pyrolysis model for combustible solids. Fire Saf J 44:819–839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. McGrattan K, Hostikka S, McDermott R, Floyd J, Weinschenk C, Overholt K (2014) Fire dynamics simulator (version 6) technical reference guide. Special Publication 1018-6. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg

  12. Henderson JB, Wiebelt JA, Tant MR (1985) A model for the thermal response of polymer composite materials with experimental verification. J Compos Mater 19:579–595

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Vovelle C, Delfau JL, Reuillon M, Bransier J, Laraqui N (1987) Experimental and numerical study of the thermal degradation of PMMA. Combust Sci Technol 53:187–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Di Blasi C (1993) Analysis of convection and secondary reaction effects within porous solid fuels undergoing pyrolysis. Combust Sci Technol 90:315–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Staggs JEJ (2003) Heat and mass transport in developing chars. Polym Degrad Stab 82:297–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Stoliarov SI, Crowley S, Lyon RE, Linteris GT (2009) Prediction of the burning rates of non-charring polymers. Combust Flame 156:1068–1083

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Stoliarov SI, Crowley S, Walters RN, Lyon RE (2010) Prediction of the burning rates of charring polymers. Combust Flame 157:2024–2034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Lautenberger C, Rein G, Fernandez-Pello C (2006) The application of a genetic algorithm to estimate material properties for fire modeling from bench-scale fire test data. Fire Saf J 41:204–214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Chaos M, Khan MM, Krishnamoorthy N, de Ris JL, Dorofeev SB (2011) Evaluation of optimization schemes and determination of solid fuel properties for CFD fire models using bench-scale pyrolysis tests. Proc Combust Inst 33:2599–2606.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Kim E, Dembsey N (2015) Parameter estimation for comprehensive pyrolysis modeling: guidance and critical observations. Fire Technol 51:443–477. doi:10.1007/s10694-014-0399-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Vyazovkin S, Wight CA (1997) Kinetics in solids. Annu Rev Phys Chem 48:125–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Rice OK (1967) Statistical mechanics, thermodynamics and kinetics. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco

    Google Scholar 

  23. Lyon RE, Safronava N, Senese J, Stoliarov SI (2012) Thermokinetic model of sample response in nonisothermal analysis. Thermochim Acta 545:82–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Stoliarov SI, Walters RN (2008) Determination of the heats of gasification of polymers using differential scanning calorimetry. Polym Degrad Stab 93:422–427

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Siegel R , Howell J (2002) Thermal radiation heat transfer. Taylor & Francis, New York

    Google Scholar 

  26. Stoliarov SI, Safronava N, Lyon RE (2009) The effect of variation in polymer properties on the rate of burning. Fire Mater 33:257–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Försth M, Roos A (2011) Absorptivity and Its dependence on heat source temperature and degree of thermal breakdown. Fire Mater 35:285–301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Linteris G, Zammarano M, Wilthan B, Hanssen L (2012) Absorption and reflection of infrared radiation by polymers in fire-like environments. Fire Mater 36:537–553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Matsumoto T, Ono A (1995) Specific heat capacity and emissivity measurements of ribbon-shaped graphite using pulse current heating. Int J Thermophys 16:267–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Jiang F, de Ris JL, Khan MM (2009) Absorption of thermal energy in PMMA by In-depth radiation. Fire Saf J 44:106–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. ASTM Standard E1354-13 (2013) Standard test method for heat and visible smoke release rates for materials and products using an oxygen consumption calorimeter. ASTM International, West Conshohocken

  32. Quintiere JG (2006) Fundamentals of fire phenomena. Wiley, Chichester

    Book  Google Scholar 

  33. Li J (2014) A multiscale approach to parameterization of burning models for polymeric materials. PhD dissertation, University of Maryland, College Park

  34. Chaos M, Khan MM, Dorofeev SB (2013) Pyrolysis of corrugated cardboard in inert and oxidative environments. Proc Combust Inst 34:2583–2590

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Mhike W, Ferreira IVW, Li J, Stoliarov SI, Focke WW (2015) Flame retarding effect of graphite in rotationally molded polyethylene/graphite composites. J Appl Polym Sci 132:#41472

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stanislav I. Stoliarov.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Stoliarov, S.I., Li, J. Parameterization and Validation of Pyrolysis Models for Polymeric Materials. Fire Technol 52, 79–91 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-015-0490-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-015-0490-1

Keywords

Navigation