Runaway reaction investigation of di‑tert‑butyl peroxide using adiabatic calorimetry

Thermal safety assessment is an effective means to put an end to frequent chemical accidents. The conventional safety assessment generally uses differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC), while in this work the adiabatic calorimetry technique is applied to study the thermal runaway reaction for the first time. Adiabatic calorimeter (AC) has an excellent adiabatic and vacuum environment, and the process simulation of adiabatic runaway is more real in theory. The thermal decomposition reaction of 20% di‑tert‑butyl peroxide (DTBP) /toluene solution was measured, and the kinetic parameters and model of DTBP decomposition in the adiabatic reaction process were obtained by fitting the temperature rise rate-temperature data in the thermal runaway process. These research results not only show that the adiabatic calorimetry is competent for the determination and thermal risk assessment of adiabatic runaway reactions, but also provide an important reference for broadening the application of adiabatic calorimetry.