Theoretical and experimental studies on the thermal decomposition and fire‐extinguishing performance of 1,1,2,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐1‐propene (R1216)

Abstract

AbstractDue to the severe damage of Halon to the stratospheric ozone layer, the urgent need for substitutions for Halon has driven the search for potential alternatives. As a perfluoroolefin substance, R1216 (1,1,2,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐1‐propene) has a similar chemical structure to the widely used 2‐bromo‐3,3,3‐trifluoro‐1‐ene (CF3CBrCH2, 2‐BTP) extinguishants. This study revealed the thermal decomposition and fire‐extinguishing performance of R1216 using theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. It was found that R1216 has high thermal stability and does not decompose at 600°C, and not only achieves the purpose of chemical extinguishment by generating perfluoroalkanes, perfluoroolefins and CF3· radicals that can capture H· and OH· radicals in the flame to interrupt the chain reactions of combustion, but also achieve the goal of cooling by absorbing heat through bond breaking. A combination of physical and chemical inhibition makes R1216 ideal for fire suppression (6.78 and 7.40 vol% for methane and propane flames, respectively). R1216 does not contain Br· and has a global warming potential of 0, which is more environmentally friendly. These findings suggested that R1216 may be a potential Halon substitute with promising applications and deserved further evaluation.