Pyrolysis of Transvaal kerogens. II. An evaluation of vacuum pyrolysis with polyethylene, polystyrene and their mixtures with minerals

Abstract

Abstract A series of experiments have been conducted with polyethylene and polystyrene standards in an attempt to define the advantages and limitations of a vacuum pyrolysis—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry procedure for the characterization of kerogen and other macromolecular substances. Effects of variations in pyrolysis temperatures and times, sample sizes (weights) and thickness were evaluated together with the reproducibility of the nature and abundances of pyrolyzates. The effects of minerals (illite and quartz) admixed in the polymers were also considered with reference to the nature of the breakdown products. Optimal pyrolysis conditions, where primary pyrolyzates were sufficiently abundant and secondary products did not hinder characterization, were attained at 450°C and 60–90 min. The reproducibility of the nature and quantities of pyrolyzates was rather satisfactory at this temperature and pyrolysis time. However, relatively large samples of macromolecular matter, which is considerably volatile at this temperature, led to the synthesis of an abundant yield of secondary products, but sample thickness does not affect the nature of pyrolyzates. Admixed mineral matter affected the nature and relative abundances of the pyrolyzates but did not impede characterization of samples, as primary breakdown products were discernible. Macromolecular substances of limited volatility, heterogeneous chemical composition and containing intractable mineral matter, such as many kerogens, need to be pyrolyzed as relatively large samples. The vacuum procedure used in these studies may be to advantage, as compared with some other methods, to pyrolyze such samples. This method seems to be also suitable for the pyrolysis of volatile macromolecular matter, provided that small samples are employed.