A polymer to burn.A polymer to burn Usually, polymers burn slowly, more like a candle than a rocket. Before combustion can occur, the polymer must break down, and this polymer degradation process generally requires a continuous supply of energy. Now, two Indian chemists have found a polymer that releases energy when it breaks down. Once a sample is ignited, the polymer degradation sustains itself, proceeding automatically. The polymer, poly(styrene sty·rene n. A colorless oily liquid from which polystyrenes, plastics, and synthetic rubber are produced. Also called vinylbenzene. peroxide), then burns at a rate comparable to that of solid rocket fuels. The researchers found two major degradation products, benzaldehyde benzaldehyde (bĕnzăl`dəhīd) or benzenecarbonal (bĕn'zēnkär`bənəl), C6H5CHO, colorless liquid aldehyde with a characteristic almond odor. and formaldehyde, which are themselves combustible. They discovered that introducing additives to the polymer can either accelerate or decelerate de·cel·er·ate v. de·cel·er·at·ed, de·cel·er·at·ing, de·cel·er·ates v.tr. 1. To decrease the velocity of. 2. degradation and burning. The addition of nitrobenzene nitrobenzene, C6H5NO2, very poisonous, flammable, pale yellow, liquid aromatic compound with an odor like that of bitter almonds. It is sometimes called oil of mirbane or nitrobenzol. Nitrobenzene melts at 5.85°C;, boils at 210. , for instance, slows both stages but appears to have no effect on how the degradation occurs. This rare example of an autocombustible polymer, say Kaushal Kishore and T. Mukundan of the Indian Institute of Science Impressed by Swami Vivekananda's views on science, and leadership abilities, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata wanted him to guide his campaign. Vivekananda endorsed the project with enthusiasm, and Tata, with the aim of advancing the scientific capabilities of the country, constituted a in Bangalore, is "an ideal candidate' for development as a special fuel. Their report appears in the Nov. 13 NATURE. |
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