A modified accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC®) with capabilities for handling gaseous samples under vacuum or an inert atmosphere

A simple modification was made to the accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC®), which has allowed for gaseous samples to be tested without the introduction of air. The modified ARC® can also be used to test solids, liquids, or mixtures of two phases under a particular atmospheric environment with more convenience than in the original ARC®. After the experiment, the gaseous products and/or any unreacted gaseous sample can easily be collected for further characterization. This facilitates oneʹs ability to understand the mechanism of the exothermal reactions. The utility of this modified ARC® was demonstrated by examining the thermal properties and polymerization of 1,1-difluoroethylene.