Caption title. At head of title: Project summary. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "Aug. 1986." "EPA/600-S2-86-040."

"The laboratory determined gas-phase thermal decomposition characteristics of a variety of hazardous organic compounds and mixtures of organic compounds are reported. The thermal stabilities of the compounds are assessed and compared, and the effects on thermal stability from the variation of several parameters are demonstrated. Possible chemical mechanisms for the decomposition of the gas-phase species are reported, including mechanisms for the formation of stable products. The role of oxygen in the thermal destruction of chlorinated aromatics is addressed qualitatively, through proposed reaction mechanisms, and quantitatively, through the application of kinetic methods. The thermal decomposition analytical system used for generation of these data is discussed in limited detail, and modifications performed to improve its utility and sensitivity are discussed."