Kinetics of the Thermal and Thermo‐Oxidative Degradation of a Polystyrene–Clay Nanocomposite

Summary: Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to study the thermal and thermo‐oxidative degradation of polystyrene (PS) and a PS–clay nanocomposite. An advanced isoconversional method has been applied for kinetic analysis. Introduction of the clay phase increases the activation energy and affects the total heat of degradation, which suggests a change in the reaction mechanism. The obtained kinetic data permit a comparative assessment of the fire resistance of the studied materials. The change in activation energy for the degradation of PS and the PS–clay nanocomposite with the extent of polymer conversion. magnified image The change in activation energy for the degradation of PS and the PS–clay nanocomposite with the extent of polymer conversion.