Kinetics and hazards of thermal decomposition of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide by DSC

• Published in: Thermochimica acta Vol. 430; no. 1; pp. 67 - 71
• Main Authors: Yuan, Min-Hao, Shu, Chi-Min, Kossoy, Arcady A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-06-2005
• Subjects: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO); Thermal stability; Thermokinetic parameters; Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO); Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); Thermal stability; Thermokinetic parameters
• ISSN: 0040-6031; 1872-762X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tca.2004.12.006

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to analyze thermal decomposition of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO). Thermokinetic parameters and thermal stability were evaluated. MEKPO decomposes in at least three exothermic decomposition reactions and begins to decompose at 30–32
°C. The total heat of decomposition is 1.26
±
0.03
kJ
g
−1. Thermal decomposition of MEKPO can be described by a model of two independent reactions: the first is decomposition of a less stable isomer of MEKPO, followed by decomposition of the main isomer, after which an exothermic reaction of the reaction products with the solvent, dimethyl phthalate. The results can be applied for emergency relief system design and for emergency rescue strategies during an upset or accident.