A Unified Kinetic Model for Multistage Thermal Decomposition of Polymer Matrix Composites in Air

Abstract Reliable prediction of the temperature changes within polymer matrix composites (PMCs) requires accurate input parameters. Such inputs must be the product of dependable thermal property characterization where thermal decomposition kinetics are determined over a range heating rates. In practice, heating rates vary dramatically and some rates are difficult to achieve experimentally. Here, we develop a methodology to quantifiably identify unified kinetic model parameters (UKMPs) for each of three decomposition stages within T650/5250-4 plain-woven composite material heated in an air environment. The UKMPs accurately predict thermal and chemical (i.e., oxidative) decomposition kinetics observed over the entire range of experimental conditions. Most notably, the proposed approach is also able to predict multistage decomposition of composites for experimentally challenging temperatures and heating rates.