Study on the Thermal Stability of Thermosensitive Hydrogel

Thermosensitive hydrogel, a fire extinguishing agent of gelling material, is able to change the volume and phase with alteration of temperature. It also has excellent liquidity at low temperature as well as the high viscosity, strong adhesion, and great water retention while the phase change to gel at high temperature. In this study, P(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA), P (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) with linear structure(P(NIPA-co-SA)_L), and P(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) with porous structure(P(NIPA-co-SA)_P), three types of hydrogels, were analyzed the thermal mass loss and decomposition kinetics by thermogravimetry (TG) in N2 atmosphere, determining the characteristics of thermal stability. According to the results, the three types of materials possess excellent thermal stability. In addition, because of higher apparent activation energy, P(NIPA-co-SA)_L and P(NIPA-co-SA)_P performed in the higher thermal stability than PNIPA, causing that the decomposition is difficult at high temperature, increasing on the ability of flame retardant. The results will be a theoretical basis for thermosensitive hydrogel as water fire extinguishing agent that apply for the fire prevention.