Citation

Dyakonov AJ, Grider DA. J. Fire Sci. 1999; 17(1): 71-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Pyrolysis and oxidative decomposition of cellulosic fabric were studied. Alkali metal compounds were found to be essential for sustaining smoldering and to promote oxidative degradation of cellulose and assist cleavage of sugars only in the presence of water. Decomposition activity of cellulose decreased with dehydration. Study of temperature programmed reactions (TPR) in He suggested the production of COx via intermediate oxygen-containing compounds. Intramolecular redox reactions below 300 degrees C were suggested to explain the formation of a part of CO2. Peroxide groups were found in #6 cotton duck fabric. They may be responsible for oxidative decomposition of cellulose around 200 degrees C. Two peaks of COx formation rate, obtained from TPR experiments, were attributed to intramolecular redox reaction, followed by decarboxylation, and oxidation of carbohydrates by residual bound oxygen. Water washing may increase the fabric/gas permeability.