Takhya Holley / Chemistry & Biochemistry / Faculty Mentor: Peter Kroll
We perform quantitative analysis of thermogravimetric (TG) data of the pyrolysis of preceramic polymers. Our model system comprises polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) cross-linked with divinylbenzene (DVB). Attention is placed on the molar ratio of Si-H on PMHS to vinyl groups on DVB. The molar ratios are varied between compositions to study changes in the processes. The pyrolysis of the siloxane is well described by a series of distinct processes. We perform a variety of traditional kinetics analyses including, isoconversional model free analysis and decomposition of processes, that yield the kinetic parameter of activation energy. We also show a preliminary analysis based on a recent development combining parallel and sequential reactions. Our model analysis indicates that pyrolysis in this system is a complex process involving a variety of fundamental reaction mechanisms.
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