Pyrolytic and Elemental Analysis of Decomposition Products from a Phenolic Resin

Research into elucidation of the decomposition mechanism of phenolic resin is being undertaken at the United Kingdom Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. In spite of the widespread use of phenolic resins the underlying decomposition mechanism is not yet fully understood. Central to understanding the mechanism is knowledge of the chemical products formed during the decomposition process and their respective quantities. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques have been developed to quantify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the permanent gases and water generated from the thermal decomposition of a phenolic resin. The VOCs and permanent gases that are produced during pyrolysis of phenolic resin have been identified. Quantitative analysis of the pyrolysis products has been undertaken and the initial results indicate that heating rate affects the composition of the products. Elemental analysis of the residue has been performed.