Carbon-containing materials can release appreciable quantities of carbon monoxid
ID: 477288 • Letter: C
Question
Carbon-containing materials can release appreciable quantities of carbon monoxide (CO) in fires. Likewise, materials that contain significant amounts of nitrogen can generate hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and nitric oxide (NO) Materials with chlorine or fluorine in their molecules can generate hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Finally, some products generate large amounts of soot, which affects the visibility. Indicate in the following table (by marking the appropriate cells with an X) which toxic gas species are likely to be generated for the six types of polymeric materials that are listed. Also indicate whether you expect the combustion products to contain large amounts of soot. Tip: read the supplement material!Explanation / Answer
Polypropylene (PP) or (C3H6)n is a long polymer chain, with hydrogens and carbons so it can emit CO,
since it burns in the presence of air.
PVC (C2H3Cl), since it has chlorine it produces HCl
Polystyrene (PS), (C8H8)n produces dense black soot
PTFE is fluro-polymer and will produce HF when burned.
Nylon has chemical formula (C12H22N2O2)n and produces NO, HCN and CO
Wood consists of Carbon and oxygen in higher percentages. Hydrogen, nitrogen and other elements
in small percentages. So, when burned it produces CO,NO and high amount of soot.