Kinetics of the hydrogen/oxygen reaction I. The explosion region in boric acid-coated vessels

Abstract

The region of low-pressure explosion for hydrogen/oxygen mixtures in boric acid-coated vessels has been observed over a wide range of temperature, vessel size and mixture ratio. The results obtained cannot be explained by any of the existing mechanisms, and appear to conflict with the present interpretation of the effects of boric-acid coating. The explosion boundary is described by a simple mathematical expression which demands the participation of a second-order chain-branching process not operative in salt-coated vessels. The previously excluded reaction H + HO 2 → OH + OH is postulated. A mechanism is outlined which successfully accounts for the shape and temperature dependence of the newly observed explosion region.