Evaluation of a tert-Butyl Peroxybenzoate Runaway Reaction by Five Kinetic Models

This study focuses on understanding the basic kinetic parameters associated with runaway reactions for tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB), which is a strong free-radical source. TBPB is used as a polymerization initiator, catalyst, vulcanizing agent, cross-linking agent, and chemical intermediate. Runaway reactions can either be induced by hot spots or caused by insufficient heat removal. It is important to understand the decomposition reactions that may result in a runaway reaction. To do so, one must evaluate the thermal kinetic parameters, such as activation energy, frequency factor, and reaction order to make the process safer. Most investigations focus on methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, and cumene hydroperoxide. The kinetic parameters indicate the degree of thermal hazard based on accidents triggered by TBPB. This study uses mathematical models of the Coats−Redfern equation, the Arrhenius equation, the corrected kinetic equation, the Kissinger equation, and the Ozawa equation to study these kinetic parameters.