Determination of the thermal hazard and decomposition behaviors of 2,2′-azobis-(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)

Azo compounds, which are commonly used in radical polymerization reactions, readily demonstrate their self-reactive properties. Because of their sensitive thermal decomposition properties, azo compounds have been responsible for many accidents. To avoid unexpected thermal decomposition in the workplace, information about the thermal stability and other properties of azo compounds should be provided to on-site personnel in industries that use these materials. In this study, the target substance, 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (ABVN), is shown to have a higher reactivity than other azo compounds, and its thermal decomposition characteristics are discussed based on a literature review and results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). A thermokinetic analysis of ABVN is conducted using DSC and ARC data. The results can provide process-control data and explain the effects of thermal runway for ABVN. In addition, based on applied numerical methods, critical runaway temperatures, stable temperatures, and the required heat dissipation rate for the prevention of the thermal runaway reactions are calculated using a process deviation analysis. The results show that the reactant quantities and the process parameters must be strictly controlled to achieve the desired reaction. (C) 2019 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.