Experimental and molecular dynamic studies of the thermal decomposition of polyisobutylene

Abstract

Polymer debinding is involved in many powder metallurgy processes, where clean removal of the binder is essential to ensure a sound product. Polyisobutylene (PIB) is under consideration for application as a fugitive binder for titanium (Ti) powder casting because of its favourable rheological properties. Reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations were performed to gain insights into the mechanisms of the thermal decomposition of PIB and to determine whether the presence Ti affects the thermal decomposition process. The kinetics and products of debinding were also evaluated by thermogravimetry (TG) and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) evolved gas analyses. The product distributions and kinetic parameters obtained from theRMD simulations were in good agreement with the experimental results and indicate that the presence of the Ti does not affect the kinetics of the removal of PIB. © 2006 by BCC Research Norwalk CT 06855.