Reaction of chloroform in a non-oxidative atmosphere using dielectric barrier discharge

This paper investigates the reaction of chloroform under non oxidative conditions in a quartz dielectric barrier discharge reactor. A non thermal plasma is generated in the dielectric barrier discharge reactor at atmospheric pressure where argon functions as a carrier gas and is mixed with chloroform and fed into the plasma zone. Parameters such as chloroform conversion, product distribution, reactor temperature and polymer characterisation are studied in this paper. A reaction mechanism outlining the reaction steps leading to the formation of major products is presented.