High-Temperature Chemistry

Allan N L, G D Barrera, J A Purton, C E Sims and M B Taylor 2000. Ionic Solids at High Temperatures and Pressures Ah initio, Lattice Dynamics and Monte Carlo Studies. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2 1099-1111. 

Polyimides (PI) were among the eadiest candidates in the field of thermally stable polymers. In addition to high temperature property retention, these materials also exhibit chemical resistance and relative ease of synthesis and use. This has led to numerous innovations in the chemistry of synthesis and cure mechanisms, stmcture variations, and ultimately products and appHcations. Polyimides (qv) are available as films, fibers, enamels or varnishes, adhesives, matrix resins for composites, and mol ding powders. They are used in numerous commercial and military aircraft as stmctural composites, eg, over a ton of polyimide film is presently used on the NASA shuttle orbiter. Work continues on these materials, including the more recent electronic apphcations. 

At still higher temperatures, when sufficient oxygen is present, combustion and "hot" flames are observed the principal products are carbon oxides and water. Key variables that determine the reaction characteristics are fuel-to-oxidant ratio, pressure, reactor configuration and residence time, and the nature of the surface exposed to the reaction 2one. The chemistry of hot flames, which occur in the high temperature region, has been extensively discussed (60-62) (see Col ustion science and technology). 

Because of constitutional complexity, the exact chemistries of nickel-base superalloys must be controlled carehiUy in order to avoid the precipitation of deleterious topologically close-packed (TCP) phases and extraneous carbides after long-term high temperature exposure. Heat-treatment schedules and thermomechanical treatments in the case of wrought alloys also are important to provide optimum strength and performance. 

D. L. Hildenbrand andD. D. Cubicciotti, eds.. High Temperature Metal Halide Chemistry, 1977. 

C, 0.356—1.069 m H2/L (2000—6000 fU/bbl) of Hquid feed, and a space velocity (wt feed per wt catalyst) of 1—5 h. Operation of reformers at low pressure, high temperature, and low hydrogen recycle rates favors the kinetics and the thermodynamics for aromatics production and reduces operating costs. However, all three of these factors, which tend to increase coking, increase the deactivation rate of the catalyst therefore, operating conditions are a compromise. More detailed treatment of the catalysis and chemistry of catalytic reforming is available (33—35). Typical reformate compositions are shown in Table 6. 

Select a process chemistry that is inherently safer (e.g., replace shock sensitive, high temperature sensitive and high pressure sensitive materials with more benign materials, less severe operating conditions)... 

D.R. Gaskell and Y.S. Kim. High Temperature Materials Chemistry. The Institute of Materials, London (1995). 

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