Calcium carbonate decomposition

Calcium carbonate decomposes under well-defined conditions giving CaO (solid) and CO₂ (gas). The process kinetics are known to be strongly influenced by the CO₂ partial pressure and temperature. In dynamic conditions, as in thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), kinetics influence the observed heat effect and mass losses, as was shown in semi-static studies by Hyatt et al. (J Am Ceram Soc 41:70–74, 1). However, differing DTA and TG curve shapes are reported in the literature even under supposedly comparable conditions. The differences are attributed in part to the design of the equipment and in part to differing crystalline states of the precursor calcium carbonate. To resolve these uncertainties, the TG has been performed at different heating rates and at different but controlled partial pressures of CO₂. The results are reported and critically evaluated in the light of the data obtained, and the kinetic parameters as reported by Hyatt et al. (J Am Ceram Soc 41:70–74, 1) are re-evaluated.