Beschreibung:
<jats:p> This article studies the degradation kinetics of two fluorocarbon-based polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE), that are commonly used in coatings, solid lubricants and wiring insulation. During the onset of degradation, these polymers may fail in their desired function, with associated monetary or human cost. This work examines the degradation kinetics of PTFE and ETFE by applying thermogravimetric analysis. Results from an isoconversional method, where activation energy is represented as a function of the extent of degradation, are used to develop kinetic models describing their degradation. A statistical analysis to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the implemented kinetic models is presented and it is found that an nth-order, single-step autocatalytic reaction model best describes the degradation of PTFE, whereas a consecutive three-step autocatalytic reaction model best describes the degradation of ETFE. </jats:p>