Characterization of OH, H2O, and temperature profiles in industrial flame treatment systems interacting with polymer films
Abstract
Industrial flame treatment is a common technique for oxidizing polymer films to improve adhesion and wettability. These processes are strongly influenced by flame properties such as temperature and the concentration of key combustion radicals (e.g., OH). In this work, we perform in-situ laser absorption measurements of line-of-sight averaged temperature, H2O and OH for an industrial premixed ribbon burner interacting with a chilled-roller polymer-treatment system. Measurements in the unobstructed flame exhibit profiles typical of premixed flames. The addition of a chilled roller above the flame significantly alters the temperature of the flame throughout its vertical profile and shifts the location of the maximum OH concentration above the burner. Measurements at the surface of the polymer, together with post analysis of the surface oxidation, directly verify previous numerical modeling results and surface characterization studies that suggested that the hydroxyl radical in the flame (OH) is critical to surface oxidation. This study may enable future active control of premixed burner systems to maintain desired wettability and adhesion properties of polymer films. © 2018 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Siddharth Nigam
Business Technology Analyst
Caelan Lapointe
PostDoctoral Associate
Caelan’s research is motivated by efficient simulation and optimization of complex fire phenomena with a focus on industrial and environmental applications.
Jason Christopher
Branch Chief & Test Director
Nicholas Wimer
Postdoctoral Researcher
Peter Hamlington
Associate Professor
Peter is an associate professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and the principal investigator of the Turbulence and Energy Systems Laboratory.
