Thermal Decomposition Investigations of Candidate High Temperature Base Fluids Part I. Silahydrocarbons

Abstract

The thermal decomposition characteristics of a new class of synthetic base fluids, silahydrocarbons, are investigated. The effects of temperature and time on the rate and extent of thermal degradation of selected silahydrocarbons base fluids with different molecular structures were studied using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopic analysis. The effects of chain length and chain branching are important factors in the thermal stability of silahydrocarbons. High purity model compounds were studied to minimize the effects of small quantities of unknown impurities on the decomposition. Interesting trends were found and rationale for these trends is presented.