Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of polyurethane foams in nitrogen and air atmospheres

Abstract The kinetic equations of polyurethane foam weight loss have been determined and the influence of the atmosphere, using nitrogen and air, has been analyzed. The results of the kinetic constants obtained from isothermal and dynamic experiments have been related. A comparison between the kinetic constant values corresponding to nitrogen and air atmospheres has also been performed. The significance of using the values of solid weight that can be lost at a given temperature is analyzed.