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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
Published on: August 5, 2016
Pyrolysis study of halogen-containing aromatics reflecting reactions with polypropylene in a posttreatment
Aliaksandr I Balabanovich1, Andreas Hornung, Maria P Luda
1Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, ul. Leningradskaya 14, 220050 Minsk, Belarus. balabanovich@bsu.by
Abstract:
Halogen-containing aromatics, mainly bromine-containing phenols, are harmful compounds contaminating pyrolysis oil from electronic boards containing halogenated flame retardants. In addition,theirformation increases the potential for evolution of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs) and dibenzofurans (PBDFs) at relatively low temperature (up to 500 degrees C). As a model compound, 2,4-dibromophenol (DBP) was pyrolyzed at 290-450 degrees C. While its pyrolysis in a nitrogen flow reactor or in encapsulated ampules yields bromine-containing phenols, phenoxyphenols, PBDDs, and PBDFs, pyrolysis of DBP in a hydrogen-donating medium of polypropylene (PP) at 290-350 degrees C mainly results in the formation of phenol and HBr, indicating the occurrence of a facile hydrodebromination of DBP. The hydrodebromination efficiency depends on temperature, pressure, and the ratio of the initial components. This thermal behavior of DBP is compared to that of 2,4-dichlorophenol and decabromodiphenyl ether. A treatment of halogen-containing aromatics with PP offers a new perspective on the development of low-environmental-impact disposal processes for electronic scrap.
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