Combustion of polystyrene spheres in air

Abstract

Mass histories of polystyrene spheres (initial diameter 2-5 mm) burning in simulated air have been obtained by quenching combustion after variable times and weighing the residues. The flame positions and temperature histories of the spheres have also been recorded. A simple analytical model - an extension of quasi-steady combustion theory of liquid droplets - is shown to describe the combustion process reasonably well. Though the combustion process is broadly similar to that of liquid spheres, flame diameter is relatively smaller, particle temperature higher, and decomposition reactions occur in the condensed phase.