Theory and practice in the thermoanalytical kinetics of complex processes: Application for the isothermal and non-isothermal thermal degradation of HDPE

• Published in: Thermochimica acta Vol. 500; no. 1; pp. 30 - 37
• Main Author: Budrugeac, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier B.V 10-03-2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Algorithms; Applied sciences; Chemical reactions and properties; Criteria; Degradation; Differential scanning calorimetry; Exact sciences and technology; Fittings; HDPE; Heating rate; Isothermal kinetics; Non-isothermal kinetics; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polyethylenes; TG and DTG curve fitting method; Thermal degradation; HDPE; TG and DTG curve fitting method; Isothermal kinetics; Thermal degradation; Non-isothermal kinetics; Isothermal condition; Pyrolysis; High density ethylene polymer; Thermogravimetry; Theoretical study; Non isothermal condition; Thermal analysis; Kinetics; Curve fitting
• ISSN: 0040-6031; 1872-762X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tca.2009.12.007

The criterion according to which the best mechanism of a complex process and the associated kinetic parameters correspond to the best fitting of TG and DTG curves recorded at several heating rates is discussed. The main problem is if the application of such a criterion for a complex process will lead to the mechanism and corresponding kinetic parameters to be used for predictions. To this end, the thermal degradation of HDPE has been investigated by TG/DTG
+
DSC simultaneous analysis performed in Ar flow, at five heating rates as well as in four quasi-isothermal conditions. An algorithm for correct determination of the mechanism and the corresponding kinetic parameters of a complex process from non-isothermal and quasi-isothermal data was suggested.