Thermal analysis of transition metal salts of carboxylic acids - The way for the synthesis of metal-polymer composites

The thermal decomposition of salts ( both normal and acid) of transition metals with carboxylic acids (maleic, ortho-phthalic and terephthalic) was studied in inert atmosphere. The residues after pyrolysis ( up to 450 degreesC) are composites including two structural components: an organic polymer matrix and spherical conglomerates from metal grains coated with polymer. Thermal decomposition of solid solutions of metal bimaleates (Co - Ni, Fe - Ni, Zn - Ni) was investigated. Thermogravimetric data ( obtained at different rates of linear heating) were processed with 'Netzsch Thermokinetics' computer program. Kinetic parameters were calculated only for the first decomposition step, and the process is described by Prout - Tompkins equation of n(th) order with autocatalysis. Some properties of the resulting composites have been studied qualitatively.