An experimental investigation of tetrabromobisphenol A decomposition pathways

The primary thermal decomposition pathways of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBA), a widely used brominated flame retardant, were investigated. TBBA decomposition was carried out in a laboratory-scale fixed bed reactor in both constant heating rate (10degreesC/min, 30-600degreesC) and isothermal (210-270degreesC) modes. Quantitative data were obtained on the products formed in the thermal degradation process. TBBA decomposition resulted in a competitive process with evaporation, at least in the open system conditions used. Hydrogen bromide, brominated bisphenol A species, brominated phenols and char were the main products generated in the decomposition process. On the basis of the products formed, the decomposition pathways were analysed. Radical debromination reactions and scission reactions to phenols resulted the most important thermal degradation mechanisms of TBBA. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.