Thermal characterization of the poultry fat biodiesel

Chemical composition of oils and fats used in the biodiesel synthesis can influence in processing and storage conditions, due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids. An important point is the study of the biodiesel thermal stability to evaluate its quality using thermal analysis methods. In this study the thermal stabilities of the poultry fat and of their ethyl (BEF) and methyl (BMF) biodiesels were determined with the use of thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in different atmospheres. The TG/DTG curves of the poultry fat in synthetic air presented three decomposition steps while only one step was observed in nitrogen (N₂) atmosphere. The DSC results indicated four exothermic enthalpic transitions in synthetic air and an endothermic transitions in N₂ atmosphere attributed to the combustion process and to the volatilization and/or decomposition of the fatty acids, respectively. For both biodiesels the TG/DTG curves in air indicated two mass loss steps. In the DSC curves four exothermic transitions were observed in synthetic air besides an endothermic one in N₂ atmosphere.     

Thermal decomposition of rare-earth trioxalatocobaltates

The thermal decomposition of rare-earth trioxalatocobaltates LnCo(C₂O₄)₃ · x H₂O, where Ln  La, Pr, Nd, has been studied in flowing atmospheres of air/oxygen, argon/ nitrogen, carbon dioxide and a vacuum. The compounds decompose through three major steps, viz. dehydration, decomposition of the oxalate to an intermediate carbonate, which further decomposes to yield rare-earth cobaltite as the final product. The formation of the final product is influenced by the surrounding gas atmosphere. Studies on the thermal decomposition of photodecomposed lanthanum trioxalatocobaltate and a mechanical mixture of lanthanum oxalate and cobalt oxalate in 1 : 2 molar ratio reveal that the decomposition behaviour of the two samples is different. The drawbacks of the decomposition scheme proposed earlier have been pointed out, and logical schemes based on results obtained by TG, DTA, DTG, supplemented by various physico-chemical techniques such as gas and chemical analyses, IR and mass spectroscopy, surface area and magnetic susceptibility measurements and X-ray powder diffraction methods, have been proposed for the decomposition in air of rare-earth trioxalatocobaltates as well as for the photoreduced lanthanum salt and a mechanical mixture of lanthanum and cobalt oxalates.     

Thermal behavior of cashew gum by simultaneous TG/DTG/DSC-FT-IR and EDXRF

Cashew gum, an exudate polysaccharide from Anacardium occidentale L., was purified by alcohol precipitation. Thermal behavior of this polysaccharide was investigated by simultaneous TG/DTG/DSC-FT-IR analysis performed under nitrogen and air atmospheres and heating rate of 10 K min^?1. TG/DTG curves under oxidative atmosphere were similar to the curves under N₂ atmosphere until 340 °C, however, it was observed a profile difference due to the presence of two DTG peaks at 430 and 460 °C. DSC results showed endothermic and exothermic events corroborating with TG/DTG curves. The Simultaneous TG/DSC-FTIR analysis revealed that evolved gases from the decomposition of cashew gum sample were CO₂, CO, and groups: O–H, C–H, C=O, C–C, and C–O, in nitrogen and air atmospheres. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis from the ash showed that the elements in larger amounts are CaO, MgO, and K₂O.     

Non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles synthesized using egg white solution route

The thermal decomposition kinetics of nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) precursor prepared using egg white solution route in dynamical air atmosphere was studied by means of TG with different heating rates. The activation energy (E _α) values of one reaction process were estimated using the methods of Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), which were found to be consistent. The dependent activation energies on extent of conversions of the decomposition reaction indicate “multi-step” processes. XRD, SEM and FTIR showed that the synthesized NiFe₂O₄ precursor after calcination at 773 K has a pure spinel phase, having particle sizes of ~54 ± 29 nm.     

Carboxylate clusters with the M<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cubane-like core: pivalate cocrystal containing Co<Superscript>II</Superscript> and Ni<Superscript>II</Superscript>

Joint thermolysis of the dinuclear pivalate complexes M₂(μ-H₂O)(μ-Piv)₂(Piv)₂(HPiv)₄ (M = Co (1) and Ni (2), Piv^- is the pivalate anion), in decane at 174 °C at the reactant ratio 1: 1 followed by treatment of the dry thermolysis product with methanol afforded crystals of a new cocrystallization product of the molecules containing the heterometallic cubane-like core M₄(Co,Ni)O₄. According to the X-ray diffraction data and the results of magnetic measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and investigations of the solid-state thermal decomposition products, the isolated cocrystallization product has the general formula [Co_1.6Ni_2.4(μ₃-OMe)₄(μ₂-Piv)₂(pg² -Piv)₂(MeOH)₄] ·4MeOH (3·4MeOH). Thermolysis of the crystals of the solvate 3·4MeOH is a destructive process accompanied by the intramolecular redox reaction. A mixture of metallic Ni and cobalt oxide (CoO) are the final solid decomposition products of 3 · 4MeOH in an argon atmosphere, whereas a mixture of the phases NiO, Co₃O₄, and NiCo₂O₄ is formed in air.     

The non-isothermal decomposition of cobalt acetate tetrahydrate

The non-isothermal decomposition of cobalt acetate tetrahydrate was studied up to 500°C by means of TG, DTG, DTA and DSC techniques in different atmospheres of N₂, H₂ and in air. The complete course of the decomposition is described on the basis of six thermal events. Two intermediate compounds (i.e. acetyl cobalt acetate and cobalt acetate hydroxide) were found to participate in the decomposition reaction. IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to identify the solid products of calcination at different temperatures and in different atmospheres. CoO was identified as the final solid product in N₂, and Co₃O₄ was produced in air. A hydrogen atmosphere, on the other hand, produces cobalt metal. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the solid decomposition products at different stages of the reaction. Identification of the volatile gaseous products (in nitrogen and in oxygen) was performed using gas chromatography. The main products were: acetone, acetic acid, CO₂ and acetaldehyde. The proportions of these products varied with the decomposition temperature and the prevailing atmosphere. Kinetic parameters (e.g.E and lnA) together with thermodynamic functions (e.g. °H, C _p and °S) were calculated for the different decomposition steps. In celebration of the 60^th birthday of Dr. Andrew K. Galwey     

Thermal and kinetic analysis of uranium salts

Thermal decomposition of U(C₂O₄)₂·6H₂O was studied using TG method in nitrogen, air, and oxygen atmospheres. The decomposition proceeded in five stages. The first three stages were dehydration reactions and corresponded to removal of four, one, and one mole water, respectively. Anhydrous salt decomposed to oxide products in two stages. The decomposition products in nitrogen atmosphere were different from those in air and oxygen atmospheres. In nitrogen atmosphere UO_1.5(CO₃)_0.5 was the first product and U₂O₅ was the second product, while these in air and oxygen atmospheres were UO(CO₃) and UO₃, respectively. The second decomposition products were not stable and converted to stable oxides (nitrogen: UO₂, air–oxygen: U₃O₈). The kinetics of each reaction was investigated with using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods. These methods were combined with modeling equations for thermodynamic functions, the effective models were investigated and thermodynamic values were calculated.     

Phases in the system Tb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O at 100°C and their physicochemical study

Summary The solubility isotherm of the system Tb₂O₃-SeO₂-H₂O at 100° was studied. The compounds of the three-component system were identified by the Schreinemakers’ method as well as by chemical and X-ray phase analyses. Simultaneous TG and DTA analyses of all compounds of the system were made. The mechanism of thermal decomposition was described.     

Thermal analysis of prednicarbate and characterization of thermal decomposition product

In the present work, the thermal behavior of prednicarbate was studied using DSC and TG/DTG. The solid product remaining at the first decomposition step of the drug was isolated by TG, in air and N₂ atmospheres and was characterized using LC-MS/MS, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. It was found that the product at the first thermal decomposition step of prednicarbate corresponds to the elimination of the carbonate group bonding to C₁₇, and a consequent formation of double bond between C₁₇ and C₁₆. Structure elucidation of this degradation product by spectral data has been discussed in detail.     

Physicochemical properties of ceramic tape involving Ca<Subscript>0.05</Subscript> Ba<Subscript>0.95</Subscript> Ce<Subscript>0.9</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.1</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> as an electrolyte designed for electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs)

Energetic materials such as a mixture of guanidine nitrate (GN)/basic copper nitrate (BCN) are used as gas generators in automotive airbag systems. However, at the time of the airbag inflation, the gas generators release toxic combustion gases such as CO, NH₃, and NO_x. In this study, we investigated the combustion and thermal decomposition behaviors of GN/BCN mixture, focusing primarily on their exhaust gas composition. As a result, when the exhaust gas of the combustion under constant pressure in an inert gas stream was analyzed using a detection tube, the amount of NO_x (mainly NO) yielded greater decrease with increasing atmospheric pressure as compared to the amounts of CO and NH₃. Thus, provided GN/BCN is ignited in a closed container, a large amount of NO_x is presumed to have been released during the initial stage of combustion, which yielded comparatively low pressure. Results of the thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG/DSC/FTIR) indicated that the GN/BCN mixture caused endothermic decomposition at 170 °C and exothermic decomposition at 208 °C, which was accompanied by 66% mass loss. The decomposition gases, CO₂, N₂O, and H₂O, were detected via FTIR spectrum. Because N₂O was not detected in the combustion gas, it was suggested that the detected N₂O was generated at a low temperature and decomposed in high-temperature combustion.     

Study on the oxygen exchange capacities of Ce<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> pyrochlore

Ce₂Sn₂O₇ pyrochlore was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the composition and valence state of the sample. The oxygen exchange property of the Ce₂Sn₂O₇ phase was measured by an oxidation reaction in sealed air atmosphere and a followed reduction reaction in 5% H₂-95% N₂ atmosphere. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to analyze the oxygen change in the reaction. The results show that Ce₂Sn₂O₇ sample has excellent oxygen absorption capacity at 250°C as Ce³⁺ ions are oxidized to Ce⁴⁺ ions. The oxidized sample can be reduced by 5% H₂-95% N₂. The refreshed sample remains the capacity of oxygen absorption, while the oxygen exchange capacity degrades with the reduction times.     

Study of zinc thiocarbamide chloride,a single-source precursor for zinc sulfide thin films by spray pyrolysis

Thermal decomposition of the title compound, Zn(tu)₂Cl₂ (tu=thiourea), was studied up to 1200°C in dynamic inert (N₂) and oxidative (air) atmospheres using simultaneous TG/DTA techniques. In addition, XRD and IR were employed ex situ to resolve the reaction mechanism and products. Cubic ZnS (sphalerite) is formed below 300°C in both atmospheres and is observed until 760°C, whereafter it transforms in nitrogen to the hexagonal ZnS (wurtzite). EGA by FTIR revealed the complexity of the decomposition reactions involving also the evolution of H₂NCN, which reacts to form hexagonal ZnCN₂ as revealed by an XRD analysis. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal analysis of copper(Ii) complexes of general formula [Et<Subscript>4</Subscript>N]<Subscript>2</Subscript>[CuBr<Subscript>n</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>4-n</Subscript>]

Thermal decomposition of compounds consisting of tetrahalogenocuprate(II), [CuBr_nCl_4−n]²⁻ (n=0–4) anions and a tetraethylammonium cation has been studied using TG-FTIR, TG-MS, DTA and DTG techniques. The measurements were carried out in an argon and air atmospheres over the temperature range 293-1073 K. The products of the thermal decomposition were identified by IR and Far Infrared (FIR) spectroscopy as well as X-ray powder diffractometry.     

Synthesis of La<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> by thermal treatment of mechanically activated salt mixture

A lanthanum zirconate La₂Zr₂O₇ was synthesized by soft mechanochemical method using zirconium oxynitrate ZrO(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and lanthanum carbonate La₂(CO₃)₃·8H₂O as reagents. Mechanical activation of the reagents was carried out in a centrifugal planetary ball mill. The processes occurring during calcination of the jointly and the separately mechanically activated salt mixture were studied using DSC, TG coupled with mass spectrometry, XRD analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that in the course of joint mechanical activation in the mill alongside with intimate mixing of the reagents and their amorphization exchange reaction occurred, producing lanthanum nitrate, basic lanthanum nitrate, basic zirconium carbonate, and hydrated zirconium oxide. The DSC curve of the jointly mechanically activated salt mixture showed a strong exothermic peak at 878 °C which was not associated with mass loss. This peak was attributed to La₂Zr₂O₇ crystallization in agreement with XRD data. Nanocrystalline lanthanum zirconate synthesized by annealing of the jointly mechanically activated salt mixture was characterized using XRD analysis, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy.     

Effect of Atmospheres on Transformation of Heavy Metals during Thermal Treatment of MSWI Fly Ash: By Thermodynamic Equilibrium Calculation

The vaporization behaviors of eight heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Co, Mn, and Ni) in municipal solid wastes incineration (MSWI) fly ash during thermal treatment under air atmosphere (21% O₂/79% N₂), an inert atmosphere (100% N₂), and a reducing atmosphere (50% CO/50% N₂) were evaluated based on a thermodynamic equilibrium calculation by FactSage 8.1. The results show that the reducing atmosphere promotes the melting of MSWI fly ash, resulting in a more liquid phase than in air or an inert atmosphere. Except for Cd, the formation of liquids can dissolve heavy metals and reduce their vaporization ratio. In the air and inert atmospheres, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Ni vaporize mainly in the form of metallic chlorides, while Cd volatilizes in the form of metallic Cd (g) and CdO (g). In the reducing atmosphere, Co, Mn, and Ni still vaporize as chlorides. Zn and Cd mainly vaporize in the form of Zn (g) and Cd (g), respectively. In terms of Pb, in addition to its chlorides, the volatiles of Pb contain some Pb (g) and PbS (g). Cr has a low vaporization ratio, accounting for 2.4% of the air atmosphere. Cr, on the other hand, readily reacts with Ca to form water-soluble CrCaO₄, potentially increasing Cr leaching. Except for Cd, the results of this study suggest that the reducing atmosphere is used for the thermal treatment of MSWI fly ash because it promotes the melting of fly ash and thus prevents heavy metal vaporization.     

Non-isothermal kinetics of the thermal decomposition of sodium oxalate Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The thermal transformation of Na₂C₂O₄ was studied in N₂ atmosphere using thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Na₂C₂O₄ and its decomposed product were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The non-isothermal kinetic of the decomposition was studied by the mean of Ozawa and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. The activation energies (E _α) of Na₂C₂O₄ decomposition were found to be consistent. Decreasing E _α at increased decomposition temperature indicated the multi-step nature of the process. The possible conversion function estimated through the Liqing–Donghua method was ‘cylindrical symmetry (R₂ or F_1/2)’ of the phase boundary mechanism. Thermodynamic functions (ΔH*, ΔG* and ΔS*), calculated by the Activated complex theory and kinetic parameters, indicated that the decomposition step is a high energy pathway and revealed a very hard mechanism.     

Gradual transformation of Ca(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> into CaCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> on cement hydration

The low temperature of decomposition of some calcium carbonates and the bending of the TG curves of hydrated cement between 500 and 800°C suggested the presence of some complex compound(s), which needed complementary investigation (XRD, TG). Stepwise transformation of portlandite (and/or lime) into calcium carbonate, with intermediate steps of calcium carbonate hydroxide hydrates (CCH-1 to CCH-5), was indicated by the previous study of two OPC. This was checked here on four cements ground for t _g=15, 20, 25 and 30 min and hydrated either in water vapour, successively at RH=1.0, 0.95 and 0.5 for 2 weeks each (WR1, WR2 and WR3, respectively) or as mortars in liquid water (1m), followed by WR as above. The d[001] spacing of portlandite was confirmed to vary: here between the lowest and the highest standard values. The diffractograms of n=32 different samples were analyzed for presence of standard CCH peaks, generally slightly displaced. These were: CCH-1 [Ca₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂]: N=11 peaks, of three different d[hkl] spacings, CCH-2 [Ca₆(CO_2.65)₂(OH₆₅₇)₇(H₂O)₂]: N=10 for two d[hkl], CCH-3 [Ca₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂·1.5H₂O]: N=14 for five d[hkl], CCH-4, ikaite [CaCO₃(H₂O)₆]: N=13 for six d[hkl], CCH-5[CaCO₃(H₂O)]: N=15 for five d[hkl]. Thus the most probable is the presence of the last three. The stepwise transformation of Ca(OH)₂ into CaCO₃ was confirmed:     

Study on the non-isothermal kinetics of decomposition of 4Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>·NaCl

The non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl have been investigated by simultaneous TG-DSC in nitrogen atmosphere and in air. The decomposition processes undergo a single step reaction. The multivariate nonlinear regression technique is used to distinguish kinetic model of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl. Results indicate that the reaction type Cn can well describe the decomposition process, the decomposition mechanism is n-dimensional autocatalysis. The kinetic parameters, n, A and E are obtained via multivariate nonlinear regression. The n ^th-order with autocatalysis model is used to simulate the thermal decomposition of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl under isothermal conditions at various temperatures. The flow rate of gas has little effect on the decomposition of 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl.     

Thermal decomposition of bivalent transition metal malonates in various atmospheres

The thermal decomposition of the malonates of bivalent transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) was investigated by mainly TG-DTA, X-ray diffraction analysis and evolved gas analysis in atmospheres of N₂, CO₂ and O₂ and in the air. It was shown that CO₂ has an inhibiting effect on the decomposition whereas O₂ and air have the accelerating effects on the basis of N₂. The decomposition of the salts investigated can be classified into three groups from solid decomposition products: Mn and Zn malonates gave the metal oxides including 1–1.5 moles of elementary carbon, while Cu and Ni malonates gave the metals with 1–1.5 moles of the carbon. Fe and Co malonates in the last group gave once the metal oxides with 1-0.5 moles of the carbon and the oxides produced were subsequently reduced to the metals by the carbon. A possible reaction mechanism for the malonates was discussed and compared with those of the corresponding oxalates and succinates.     

Influences of product gases on the kinetics of thermal decomposition of synthetic malachite evaluated by controlled rate evolved gas analysis coupled with thermogravimetry

An instrument of controlled rate evolved gas analysis (CREGA) coupled with TG‐DTA was constructed for analyzing the influences of product gases on the kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition of solids that produce more than one gaseous products at the same stage of reaction. The thermal decomposition of synthetic malachite, Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃, was subjected to the measurements of CREGA‐TG under controlled concentrations of H₂O and CO₂ in the reaction atmosphere with taking account of self‐generated H₂O and CO₂ during the course of reaction. By a series of CREGA‐TG measurements carried out under various atmospheric conditions, it was reconfirmed that the reaction is accelerated and decelerated by the effects of atmospheric H₂O and CO₂, respectively. From the kinetic analysis of the CREGA‐TG curves and results of high temperature X‐ray diffraction measurements under various reaction atmospheres, it was revealed that the anomalous effects of atmospheric H₂O on the reactivity and on the reaction rate of the thermal decomposition of synthetic malachite appear at the early stage of the reaction. Usefulness of the CREGA‐TG technique for measuring the kinetic rate data for the thermal decomposition of solids was demonstrated in the present study, by emphasizing the importance of quantitative control of self‐generated reaction atmosphere. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 346–354, 2005