Publications by authors named "Nirmala K Dharmarathne"
Article Synopsis
- The paper analyzes how dieldrin decomposes when heated, resulting in toxic byproducts like PCDD/F, which are harmful compounds formed during combustion.
- The research highlights that during the thermal decomposition, harmful elements like chlorinated benzenes and phenols are produced, which can lead to the formation of dioxins at higher temperatures (around 823 K).
- Findings show that the production of these toxic dioxins increases with temperature and oxygen content, with the most significant toxicity observed at 923 K, leading to high levels of octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) detected.
J Phys Chem A
August 2017
Article Synopsis
- The thermal decomposition of hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCP) was analyzed in a silica flow reactor under varying temperatures (690-923 K) and conditions, focusing on both inert gas and oxidative scenarios.
- Initial decomposition involves the breaking of Cl bonds to form radicals, which then rearrange to produce octachloronaphthalene (8ClNP) and free Cl atoms, with detailed kinetics calculated using advanced quantum chemical methods.
- As oxygen content in the reaction environment increased, HCCP decomposition rates rose up to a certain point (6-8% O), but higher concentrations (>10% O) led to lower yields of primary products, highlighting a complex interplay between oxidation and chlorinated compound formation.
Environ Sci Technol
September 2016
Article Synopsis
- The study explores how endosulfan breaks down under oxidative conditions, leading to the creation of harmful dioxins.
- It combines computer simulations and lab experiments to examine how temperature and oxygen levels affect this process.
- The findings highlight that higher temperatures and certain oxygen concentrations increase the formation of polychlorinated dibenzofurans, with octachlorodibenzofuran being the most common byproduct.
