Relative Toxicity of Selected Polymeric Materials Due to Thermal Degradation

摘要

A thermal-cecomposition-toxicity index is defined that includes the rate and temperature of thermal decomposition, as well as the quantity and toxicity of the resulting decomposition products. By means of this index, the relative toxicity due to thermal degradation is determined for selected heat-resistant thermoplastics and other polymeric materials. These are listed below in the order of least toxic first, most toxic last, when heated from 500 to 700F: (1) Teflon TFE; (2) Teflon FEP; (3) Kapton polyimide film; (4) Viton (assumed equivalent to Fluorel for this study); (5) Perfluoropropylene polymer; (6) Carboxy nitroso rubber. At lower temperatures, e.g., at 300 to 400F, the order of merit appears somewhat altered for Kapton polyimide film, Viton, and perfluoropropylene polymer. (Author)