Screening Procedures for Self-Reactive Substances, Differential Scanning Calorimetry-Onset and Heat-Flux Criteria

Abstract

We present a new screening procedure for the determination of the thermal stability of potential candidates for the class of self-reactive substances. For the classification of self-reactive substances, elaborate testing is necessary to determine the applicable type, according to the regulations. Annex 6 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria permits that the classification procedure for self-reactive substances may be omitted, if the estimated self accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT) is greater than 75 °C for a 50 kg package using an appropriate calorimetric technique, but no technique is described. Based on stationary theories of thermal explosion, we developed a screening approach using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) onset and heat-flux criteria, respectively, at relevant temperatures. The proposed approach is validated with experimental data.