An iterative model-free method to determine the activation energy of heterogeneous processes under arbitrary temperature programs

Abstract

A new iterative model-free (isoconversional) method with integration over a given range of conversion for the determination of the activation energy using non-isothermal data recorded at arbitrary temperature programs has been suggested. The advantages of applying this method in comparison with differential linear and nonlinear methods and advanced nonlinear method are put in evidence. The applicability of the suggested method was checked for simulated data for a single-step process, thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate, and thermal degradation of high density polyethylene.