A thermogravimetic kinetic study of uncatalyzed diesel soot oxidation

Isothermal and non-isothermal thermogravimetric experiments (TG) with real and synthetic (Printex U) soot were performed at different O₂ concentrations (5–22%O₂/N₂), sample masses (0.5–10 mg), heating (5–20 °C min⁻¹) and flow rates (80–100 mL min⁻¹). The significance of the experimental and calculation uncertainties (i.e. experimental parameter dependencies, calculation method and mass transfer limitations), which are related to TG for the extraction of chemical kinetics, was explored. Finally, an intrinsic kinetic equation for soot oxidation is proposed.     

Thermal and Spectroscopic Study of Dehydration of Lithium Formate Monohydrate Single-crystals

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) of lithium formate monohydrate (LiHCOO·H₂O) were performed in the temperature range 300–700 K. The DSC/TG measurements show that the dehydration process to anhydrous lithium formate (LiHCOO) is complex and occurs in two stages. The data are correlated to the structure and to the arrangement of the molecules in the crystal, including the hydrogen-bonding. Infrared transmittance and Raman spectra of this crystal are reported and commented on. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis,characterization and thermal analysis of [Fe(N2H4)2(CH3COO)2]

[Fe(N₂H₄)₂(CH₃COO)₂] was synthesised and characterized for the first time by chemical analysis, magnetic measurements, electronic and IR spectral studies. Its thermal reactivity was ascertained by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) techniques and it has been concluded that unlike some other metal carboxylate hydrazinates, it does not show any autocatalytic behaviour. The decomposition was also subjected to kinetic analysis using the equations of Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger by the method of weighted least-squares.     

Thermal stability of amine-functionalized MCM-41 in different atmospheres

In the present work, we report on the thermal stability of NH₂-MCM-41 hybrid material under different atmospheres (nitrogen and air). The thermal stability of this hybrid material is very important because of its common use in catalysis, adsorption, biomedical and biotechnological applications, based on mesoporous and aminopropyl functionalities. Samples were prepared by one pot co-condensation method with different loadings of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The thermal stability of hybrid samples (NH₂-MCM-41) heat treated in nitrogen and air at 30–800 °C has been investigated. Samples were synthesized under basic media in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) as structure-directing agent, tetraethyl orthosilicate as silica source, and APTES as functionalizing agent with molar composition of 0.055 CTABr:045 SiO₂:0.054 APTES:5.32 NH₄OH:14.99 H₂O at 50 °C for 24 h at pH 12.4. The obtained hybrid materials have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), derivative thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and surface area determination by the BET method. Based on TG measurements of the treated samples, it was found out that the thermal stability varied greatly in different atmospheres.     

Thermal decomposition and kinetic studies on a binuclear copper(II)—Urea complex

A binuclear copper(II)—urea complex was synthesized and its structure was established from elemental analyses, IR, UV and visible spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements to be [OC(NH₂)₂Cu(OH)₂]₂. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the complex were studied by recording thermogravimetric measurements in streams of nitrogen and oxygen. TG analysis showed three main steps of decomposition, leading to Cu₂O formation in the final stage.     

Response of a glass/phenolic composite to high temperatures

Determining the response of composite phenolic materials to fire remains a major unsolved problem that is important for high consequence safety analysis. Difficulties arise when thermophysical property measurements are obscured by decomposition reactions. This article presents several decomposition experiments and models for a phenolic resin impregnated into chopped 1.27-by-1.27 cm glass fabric. The thermal response of the material was measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and laser flash diffusivity (LFD). The TG data was used to develop a 5-step decomposition mechanism describing mass loss due to reaction; the DSC data was used to describe the energy changes associated with these reactions; and the LFD data was used to describe energy flow into the decomposing material. An effective thermal conductivity model was used to partition energy transport by gas conduction, solid conduction, and diffusive radiation. The dynamic gas volume fraction is treated as a field variable to extrapolate thermal transport properties at high temperatures where decomposition is prevalent. These various models have been implemented into a finite element response model with an example calculation that includes uncertainty.     

Investigation of Pd content in C–Pd films for hydrogen sensor applications

Nanocomposite carbonaceous-palladium (Nc-C-Pd) films were synthesized by physical vapor deposition method (PVD). Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that they were composed of carbonaceous matrix containing Pd nanograins. Nc-C-Pd films were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The content of Pd in films synthesized at different PVD conditions was determined based on TG measurements. Technological parameters of PVD process affected C/Pd ratio. FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic absorption bands for the precursors of carbonaceous-palladium samples (fullerene C₆₀ and palladium acetate). The influence of hydrogen on electrical properties of the films was tested by measuring their resistance in the presence of hydrogen (1% H₂/N₂).     

Thermogravimetric investigation ofwastes from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

Two components of electronic wastes (sample A – a mixture of three types of printed circuit boards, sample B – a mixture of electronic junctions with metal wires) were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric data (TG and DTG) give information on the thermal stability of A and B samples and allows finding the correct conditions for their degradation using pyrolysis in an experimental system, built on the laboratory scale for utilization of hazardous wastes. X-ray fluorescence measurements prove that brominated flame retardant is present in sample A, whilst chlorinated flame retardant is a probable component of sample B. Preliminary liquid chromatography of oil products obtained as a result of thermal waste degradation shows that the hydrocarbons released during pyrolysis could be used as a fuel.     

Partially exchanged organophilic bentonites

Using a sodium bentonite (VCNa) as substrate differently exchanged organophilic clays were obtained by reaction with hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) chloride, at increasing reacting ratios (R) from 20 to 120 meq/100 g of clay (VC20–VC120). The sodium bentonite was previously synthesized from a Verde Claro policationic bentonite (VC) from Bravo, Paraiba State, Brazil. From the thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses of these clays on calcined mass basis and from TG and DTG curves data of VCNa clay, a method was developed to estimate the mass fraction of the exchanged cation present in each organophilic clay (M _org), as a function of R. When all sodium cations of VCNa are exchanged by HDTMA, the obtained organophilic clay presents a maximum value for M _org. From this value and TG and DTG curves data of VC and VCNa clays, the cation exchange capacity of the original VC bentonite can be estimated.     

A new integral method for the kinetic analysis of thermogravimetric data

Methods for the calculation of activation energies, pre-exponential factors and reaction orders from thermogravimetric data are briefly reviewed. A new integral method is proposed for the determination of these kinetic parameters, using data from pairs of TG curves produced at different heating rates. Employing accurate values of the temperature integral of the Arrhenius equation, tabulated over a range ofE andT, and a simple graphical procedure, the method offers advantages of speed and accuracy over those previously reported. It is suggested that at least one of the kinetic parameters should be allowed to move freely in order to achieve the best possible fit between calculated and experimental traces.     

End-life Prediction of Commercial PLA Used for Food Packaging through Short Term TGA Experiments： Real Chance or Low Reliability？

A long-term(about nine months) isothermal degradation experiment of two different commercial polylactide(PLA) samples used for food packaging was carried out at a relatively low temperature(423 K). Thermooxidative degradations of the same polymers were carried out in a thermogravimetric(TG) analyser, at higher temperatures(453 K ≤ T ≤ 523 K), under isothermal heating conditions. The obtained set of experimental TG data was used to determine the apparent activation energy(Ea) of degradation through two isothermal kinetic methods. The results from long-term experiment evidenced considerable mass loss for both PLA samples in the investigated period, but the experimental data were not in agreement with those from the short-term degradations at higher temperatures, thus suggesting a different degradation kinetics, and, then a low reliability of the lifetime predictions for polymers in service or degradation forecasts for the end of their life based on experiments at higher temperatures.     

Die bestimmung kinetischer parameter endothermer zersetzungsreaktionen unter nicht-isothermen bedingungen

By using the kinetic parameters calculated from non-isothermal measurements according to Freeman and Carroll a computer programm is given, which permits the determination of the more probable reaction mechanism by use of 17 different kinetic equations. The computer programm includes the kinetic equation for chemical reaction, nucleation, phase boundary reaction and diffusion and can easily be extended to other equations. The evaluation of the experimental values by a distinct kinetic equation is quantitatively characterized by means of the correlation coefficient.The kinetic parameters are calculated on the basis of a regression analysis. By dividing the thermogravimetric curve in different reaction intervals a differential calculation is possible.Decomposition of CaCO₃, MgCO₃ and CaSO₄·2H₂O is discussed from the results of the computer calculation. It is seen that the kinetic parameters and the reaction mechanism are not constant during the reaction. Further experiments for a physical interpretation are being carried out.     

Possibilities of determination of alteration degree of rocks by thermogravimetry

Rhyolite-rhyodacite tuff samples were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction, ICP-OES and thermogravimetric (TG) methods to determine mineral and major element composition as well as different types of bound water, respectively. Similarly to CIA values, some TG parameters (H₂O[I] — water released up to ca. 200–220°C; H₂O[III] — water loss above 500–550°C and H₂O[I+III]) show positive correlation to the amount of secondary minerals. Moreover, these parameters are in close positive correlation to CIA values. Our results suggest that TG determination of different types of bound water may serve as a useful tool for estimation and characterisation of alteration degree of rocks.     

Thermal properties and kinetics study of charged LiCoO2 by TG and C80 methods

The thermal stability of lithium-ion battery cathode could substantially affect the safety of lithium-ion battery. In order to disclose the decomposition kinetics of charged LiCoO₂ used in lithium ion batteries, thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) and C80 microcalorimeter were employed in this study. Four stages of mass losses were detected by TG and one main exothermic process was detected by C80 microcalorimeter for the charged LiCoO₂. The chemical reaction kinetics is supposed to fit by an Arrhenius law, and then the activation energy is calculated as E _a=148.87 and 88.87 kJ mol⁻¹ based on TG and C80 data, respectively.     

TG studies of a composite solid rocket propellant based on HTPB-binder

Thermal decomposition kinetics of solid rocket propellants based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-HTPB binder was studied by applying the Arrhenius and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa's methods. The thermal decomposition data of the propellant samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) at different heating rates in the temperature range of 300-1200 K. TG curves showed that the thermal degradation occurred in three main stages regardless of the plasticizer (DOA) raw material, the partial HTPB/IPDI binder and the total ammonium perchlorate decompositions. The kinetic parameters E _a (activation energy) and A (pre-exponential factor) and the compensation parameter (S _p) were determined. The apparent activation energies obtained from different methods showed a very good agreement. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal decomposition reactions of solids controlled by diffusion and phase-boundary processes: possible misinterpretation of the mechanism from thermogravimetric data

A comparative study of phase -boundary and diffusion-controlled reactions has been carried out using thermogravimetric data. The results reported support the hypothesis that a single TG diagram does not allow the determination of whether a solid decomposition reaction is controlled by a diffusion mechanism or governed by the movement of an interface coming from a nucleation process. However, the analysis of both a single TG diagram and an isothermal curve might be a quick and valid way for discerning between these mechanisms. These statements are confirmed by studying the thermal decomposition kinetics of Ba(OH)₂ and CaCO₃.     

Application of a thermogravimetric technique for the determination of low nitrogen solubilities in metals: Using iron as an example

A thermogravimetric technique was explored in order to precisely investigate the low nitrogen solubilities in metals. The thermogravimetry (TG) set-up is presented in detail. By the optimization of the set-up, a good baseline (noise level <2 μg, curve drift: ±1–4 μg/h) was obtained. The measurements of nitrogen solubility in iron are described. The weight signal arising from the nitrogen dissolved in iron was recorded continuously as a function of time under various experimental conditions. The nitrogen solubility can be calculated from the weight change between the beginning of nitrogen introduction and the steady state (equilibrium). There is a good agreement between the present measurements and the data in the literature determined by alternative methods such as chemical analyses of quenched samples, Sieverts’ method as well as thermogravimetric technique. In addition, a so-called isothermal stepping TG process shows that the TG set-up has a sufficient sensitivity to display the effect of the phase transformation of iron from body-centered cubic phase to face-centered cubic phase on the nitrogen solubility.     

Thermal characterizations of multifunctional epoxy/anhydride systems used for pultruded composite ropes

The viscoelastic characterization and thermal stability property of some multifunctional epoxy/anhydride systems cured at different schedules were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) in single cantilever mode at fixed frequency, and by non-isothermal thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, respectively. According to the DMTA results, three obviously different glass transition temperatures (T _g), were observed, among which TGDDM/MHHPA system exhibits the largest T _g. While from the TG curves, the results of the mass loss and thermal stability showed that, after cured for a prolonged duration, the TGDDM/MHHPA system possessed the most excellent performance in heat resistance.     

Thermal decomposition kinetics of Schiff base complexes of copper(II) and palladium(II)

Thermogravimetric (TG), derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) curves of CuL₂ and Pd(LH)₂Cl₂ (LH=salicylidene-2-aminofluorene and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidene-2-aminofluorene) in air are studied. Mass loss considerations at the main decomposition stages indicate conversion of the complex to oxides. Mathematical analysis of TG data shows that first order kinetics are applicable in all cases. Kinetic parameters (energy and entropy of activation and preexponential factor) are reported.     

Thermal decomposition of lanthanide(III) complexes of bis-(salicylaldehyde)-1,3-propylenediimine Schiff base ligand

The thermal decomposition of lanthanide complexes, with a general formula: [LnL(NO₃)₂](NO₃), where Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er; and L = bis-(salicyladehyde)-1,3-propylenediimine Schiff base ligand, was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) techniques. The TG and DTG data indicated that all complexes are thermostable up to 398 K. The thermal decomposition of all Ln(III) complexes was a two-stage process and the final residues were Ln₂O₃ (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er), Tb₄O₇, and Pr₆ O₁₁. The activation energies of thermal decomposition of the complexes were calculated from analysis of the TG-DTG curves using the Kissinger, Friedman, and Flynn-Well-Ozawa methods.