Novel validation on pressure as a determination of onset point for exothermic decomposition of DTBP

Exothermic decomposition of di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) was measured and assessed for determination of onset or threshold point which is essential for hazard evaluation or early detection of runaway reaction. Thermal decomposition of DTBP was conducted by differential scanning calorimeter and thermal scanning unit. Criteria of onset points are determined by and compared by the deflection curve of exothermic behavior (or heat flow), selected pressure, self-heat rate, or pressure-rising rate, respectively. Exothermic onset temperature of DTBP can be determined as low as 73.5 A degrees C by pressure selected at 1.5 bar. Onset point determined by selected pressure is more sensitive and superior to the onset temperature traditionally measured by thermal analysis, adiabatic calorimetry using heat-wait-search methodology or theoretical approaches.