Analysis of the volatile combustion products of vinyl plastics

Abstract

The extensive use of plastics for insulation and building materials has created interest in the possible toxicity of their combustion products. Three poly(vinyl chloride) homopolymers, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, and formulations of two of the homopolymers and the copolymer have been examined to determine the composition and toxicity of their combustion products. Differential thermal analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis were used to study the breakdown process which occurred in several steps, the largest and first being the release of hydrogen chloride from the polymer at about 300°C. Approximately 50 products of combustion were then determined qualitatively by using either infrared spectroscopy or a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Quantitative analyses were carried out on 22 of the combustion products, and quantitative changes with varying air supply, temperature, and heating rate were determined. A comparison of the products of the polymers and their formulations is given.