Pyrolysis kinetics of asphaltite by thermal analysis

Abstract

Pyrolysis properties and kinetic analysis of asphaltite were investigated by means of thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). Thermal experiments were carried out from ambient temperatures to 1000 degrees C in nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates. TG/DTG curves showed that the decomposition proceeds through two steps with DTG peaks corresponding to the weight loss obtained. Kinetic analysis of the asphaltite decomposition steps was carried out under non-isothermal conditions. Coats-Redfern method was used to analyze the TG data for determination of kinetic parameters. Activation energies (E-a) and pre-exponential factors (k(o)) were calculated for different heating rates and compared.