Meaning
Kinetic measurement of material discharge quantifies the rate at which a substance loses weight during thermal decomposition or evaporation. The mass loss rate is a primary indicator of the severity of a battery fire or electrolyte venting event. It provides the data necessary to design fire suppression systems and gas handling infrastructure in energy storage facilities.
Thermal Stability
Decomposition of the solid electrolyte interphase and the subsequent reaction of the cathode determine the onset of weight reduction. A high mass loss rate indicates a fast reaction that may lead to explosive pressure buildup.
Gas Evolution
Vaporized solvents and breakdown products escape the cell casing and carry away a portion of the total system weight. Measuring the mass loss rate during a controlled ramp in temperature reveals the specific points where different chemical components fail. Thermogravimetric analysis tools track these changes with milligram precision to build a profile of the cell safety margin.
This information allows engineers to select flame retardant additives that slow down the degradation process. Venting mechanisms must be sized to handle the peak flow of gas predicted by these measurements.
Failure Signature
Rapid drops in weight correspond to the most violent stages of the thermal runaway process. The mass loss rate typically peaks during the transition from internal heating to open combustion.
