Multiple Heating Rates Research Articles

A Kinetic Evaluation for Phenothiazine Based Copolymers

In here, the nonisothermal decomposition kinetics of co-polymers based phenothiazine was present-ed. For this, firstly, 3, 7-di-2-thienyl-10H-phenothiazine (TF) was prepared via an optimized Suzu-ki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. After monomer (TF) characterization, the copolymerization re-actions with EDOT and thiophene were performed by the electrochemical technique. The molecular masses of the co-polymers were found by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. Thermal characterizations of the resulting polymers were conducted by thermogravimetric analyses. The thermal decomposition kinetics of the resulting polymers was also performed. For this, the kinetic methods (Tang, FWO, KAS, Kissinger, and Friedman) based on the multiple heating rates were used. Several kinetic parameters related to the decomposition kinetics of the solid-state were revealed.

Thermal Stability, Kinetic Degradation and Lifetime Prediction of Chitosan Schiff Bases Derived from Aromatic Aldehydes

AbstractThis study intends to synthesis chitosan‐aromatic aldehyde Schiff bases (ChSB) to investigate their thermal stability and kinetics degradation. All samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. Chitosan and chitosan derivatives were subjected to thermo‐gravimetric analysis, at four multiple heating rates 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C.min−1. Calculations using two isoconversional integral methods, Flynn Wall Ozawa and Kissinger were performed. The changes in Entropy, Enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and lifetime have been estimated. Thus, chitosan modification with aromatic aldehydes would have an accelerating effect on thermal decomposition. In addition, chitosan p‐chlorobenzaldehyde were found to have the relative highest activation energy and the highest lifetime to thermally decompose amongst the other examined biopolymers. The kinetic process for the degradation of pure chitosan, chitosan‐N,N‐dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and chitosan‐p‐chlorobenzaldehyde was most probably described by an exponential function E1.While for chitosan‐p‐methoxybenzoaldehyde the function D12 corresponding to a mechanism coupling “transfer and diffusion” seems to describe the degradation.

Pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of plastic grocery bag based on thermogravimetric data using iso-conversional methods

The enormous growth in the consumption of plastic grocery bags and their non-biodegradability nature has become a serious cause of waste generation. In the context of the disposal of plastic, pyrolysis is a promising technique that addresses the energy crisis issue too. Therefore, in this work, pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of plastic grocery bags were investigated using different iso-conversional methods (Starink, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Ozawa–Wall–Flynn, and Friedman methods) based on thermogravimetric analysis data at multiple heating rates (10, 20, 30, and 40 K/min). The pyrolysis of plastic grocery bags followed a single-step degradation process. The average activation energy values were found to be 133.21, 133.80, 139.12, and 192.08 kJ/mol from Starink, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Ozawa–Wall–Flynn, and Friedman methods, respectively. The average values of the pre-exponential factor (using Kissinger’s equation) varied in between 7.14 × 108 and 1.47 × 1013 min−1. From the generalized master plot, it has been observed that the one-dimensional diffusion model is the most suitable one to describe the pyrolysis process. The trends of the thermodynamic parameters reveal the ease of reaction of the plastic grocery bag, as well as it is approaching the thermodynamic equilibrium state during the pyrolysis process. This investigation on the pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic parameters would be a reference in designing and scaling the reactor for the treatment of plastic grocery bags.

Thermal behavior and kinetic study of plasticized cellulose acetate magnesium hydroxide Polypropylene materials

The thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) materials containing the PP -grafted -maleic -anhydride (PPMA), plasticized cellulose acetate (CA*) and magnesium hydroxide (MH), was investigated. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conducted under air conditions revealed distinct degradation patterns when CA*, MH or MH/CA* were added to PP*. The addition of MH to PP*/CA* improved the thermal stability by shifting the maximum rate of mass loss to a higher temperature. But the MH addition could not counterbalance the lower temperature for the onset of degrada- tion when CA* was blended with PP*. The improved thermal stability of PP*/CA* when MH was added is supported by the higher activation energy (E a ) of the MH/CA*/PP materials. This study also presents a numerical integration method that is recommended to improve the accuracy of E a estimates from TGA data at multiple heating rates. The results indicate that the combined use of MH and CA* leads to materials with the highest thermal stability.

Safe Fabrication, Thermal Decomposition Kinetics, and Mechanism of Nanoenergetic Composite NBC/CL-20.

Benefiting from the sol–gel technology and vacuum freeze-drying technology, a novel nanoenergetic composite material nitrated bacterial cellulose (NBC)/CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) has been fabricated. The thermal decomposition kinetic and mechanism have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis–differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) under nonisothermal conditions in a nitrogen atmosphere at multiple heating rates; the process and mechanism of thermal decomposition of NBC/CL-201:1 have also been probed by TG–DSC–IR. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, such as activation energy (Ea), per-exponent factor (ln AK), rate constant (k), activation heat (ΔH⧧), activation free energy (ΔG⧧), and activation entropy (ΔS⧧) are calculated. The results indicate that NBC/CL-20 presents much lower activation energy than both of raw NBC and raw NC, and NBC/CL-201:1 exhibits superior thermal performance of heat release and Ea. Moreover, there the existence mechanism has also been probed between NBC and CL-20 during the process of thermal decomposition. The structure and composition have been characterized by a series of characterization methods and indicate that CL-20 has been embedded homogenously in the NBC gel matrix with a prominent porous cross-linked network structure. The impact and friction sensitivities have also been decreased. The whole process effectively avoids high temperatures, and thus ensures operational safety.

Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and low-density polyethylene – A thermogravimetric study of thermo-kinetics and thermodynamic parameters

This study investigates, for the first time, the thermal behaviors, kinetics and thermodynamics of sewage sludge (SS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and their blends during co-pyrolysis. SS and LDPE co-pyrolysis were examined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) using different mixtures and multiple heating rates method. A positive interaction caused by the co-pyrolysis of SS and LDPE has been confirmed by the improved weight loss rate and devolatilization. Discrepancies between theoretical and experimental TGA/DTG curves as a measurement of the extent of synergic effect proved the existence of chemical interactions during the co-pyrolysis between the SS and LDPE blends of 1:1 and 1:2 ratios. The activation energy and reaction order for raw materials and their blends were studied by Coats-Redfern model. SS and LDPE blend of 1:1 ratio was optimal as it decreased the activation energy. Meanwhile, kinetics and thermodynamics were obtained from Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Starink methods. Where the activation energies (76.73–355.83 kJ/mol), Gibbs free energy (116.92–123.04 kJ/mol) and lower difference of enthalpy (ΔH=∼6 kJ/mol) showed a promising potential to convert abundant and low-cost bio-solid wastes into bioenergy. This study provides a theoretical groundwork for co-pyrolysis of SS and LDPE.

A Kinetic Analysis of the Thermal Degradation Behaviours of Some Bio-Based Substrates.

In the present paper, we report on a detailed study regarding the thermal degradation behaviours of some bio-sourced substrates. These were previously identified as the base materials in the formulations for fireproofing wood plaques through our investigations. The substrates included: β-cyclodextrin, dextran, potato starch, agar-agar, tamarind kernel powder and chitosan. For deducing the Arrhenius parameters from thermograms obtained through routine thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), we used the standard Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) method and employed an in-house developed proprietary software. In the former case, five different heating rates were used, whereas in the latter case, the data from one dynamic heating regime were utilized. Given that the FWO method is essentially based on a model-free approach that also makes use of multiple heating rates, it can be considered in the present context as superior to the one that is dependent on a single heating rate. It is also relevant to note here that the values of energy of activation (Ea) obtained in each case should only be considered as apparent values at best. Furthermore, some useful, but limited, correlations were identified between the Ea values and the relevant parameters obtained earlier by us from pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC).

Kinetic analysis of urethane formation between castor oil-based ester polyol and 4,4’-diphenyl methane diisocyanate

ABSTRACT Kinetics of urethane formation between castor oil-based ester polyol (COEP) and 4,4′diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) was evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) technique. The autocatalytic effect of urethane groups during polyurethane formation was confirmed through this study. DSC runs were made under dynamic heating schedule at various heating rates, viz.: 5, 10, 15 and 20 K/min. Single Heating rates like Chatterjee–Conrad and multiple heating rate method like Ozawa models were used to evaluate the kinetic parameter. Isocyanate index (Eq. of NCO/Eq. of OH) of 1 was used for the reaction between COEP and MDI. DSC thermograms exhibit two isotherms at 70°C and 120°C. Kinetic parameters adopting different models, in terms of activation energy, suggest that the urethane formation occurs grossly in two stages: the first step being standard uncatalysed urethane reaction and the following second step presumably autocatalysed urethane formation. The two exotherms were resolved into two portions. Kinetic analysis was undertaken for the unresolved DSC as well as the resolved ones, treating the resolved thermograms as the outcome of two independent competing reactions.

Torrefaction of Straw from Oats and Maize for Use as a Fuel and Additive to Organic Fertilizers—TGA Analysis, Kinetics as Products for Agricultural Purposes

This publication presents research work which contains the optimum parameters of the agri-biomass: maize and oat straws torrefaction process. Parameters which are the most important for the torrefaction process and its products are temperature and residence time. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed as well as the torrefaction process using an electrical furnace on a laboratory scale at a temperature between 250–525 °C. These biomass torrefaction process parameters—residence time and temperature—were necessary to perform the design and construction of semi-pilot scale biomass torrefaction installations with a regimental dryer and a woody and agri-biomass regimental torrefaction reactor to perform a continuous torrefaction process using superheated steam. In the design installation the authors also focused on biochar, a bi-product of biofuel which will be used as an additive for natural bio-fertilizers. Kinetic analysis of torrefaction process using maize and oat straws was performed using NETZSCH Neo Kinetics software. It was found that kinetic analysis methods conducted with multiple heating rate experiments were much more efficient than the use of a single heating rate. The best representations of the experimental data for the straw from maize straw were found for the n-order reaction model. A thermogravimetric analysis, TG-MS analysis and VOC analysis combined with electrical furnace installation were performed on the maize and oat straw torrefaction process. The new approach in the work presented is different from that of current scientific achievements due to the fact that until now researchers have worked on performing processes on oat and maize straws by means of the torrefaction process for the production of a biochar as an additive for natural bio-fertilizers. None of them looked for economically reasonable mass loss ratios. In this work the authors made the assumption that a mass loss in the area of 45–50% is the most reasonable loss for the two mentioned agri-biomass processes. On this basis, a semi-pilot installation could be produced in a further BIOCARBON project step. The kinetic parameters which were calculated will be used to estimate the size of the apparatuses, the biomass dryer, and biomass torrefaction reactor.

Effect of gamma irradiation on tensile and thermal properties of poplar wood flour-linear low density polyethylene composites

Poplar wood flour and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites were prepared by varying percentage of wood flour in LLDPE. The composites were synthesized via single screw extruder and then injection moulded to tensile test specimens. Maleic anhydride grafted LLDPE was used as a compatibilizer. The tensile and thermal properties of wood polymer composites were investigated to optimize the wood flour content into the polymer matrix. . The composite having 30% of wood flour in LLDPE (LPW3) was found to have the maximum tensile strength, almost double than for LLDPE. Its tensile modulus was also recorded as three times than that of LLDPE. The optimized composite (LPW3) was then subjected to gamma radiation of variable dose, ranging from 25 to 150 kGy. The tensile strength was found to be the maximum at 100 kGy with comparatively better tensile modulus. The onset degradation temperature of LLDPE is evaluated to be 442 °C and that of LPW3 before and after irradiation ranges from 421 to 433 °C. The activation energies of degradation, calculated by multiple heating rate kinetic methods of both non-radiated and radiated optimized composite were found to be relatively higher than that of LLDPE. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were also used in the present study.

Thermogravimetric Kinetics of Catalytic Pyrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse over Nickel-Cerium/HZSM-5 Catalyst

The objective of this research is to investigate the performance of Nickel-Cerium/HZSM-5 catalyst on pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and kinetic analysis via thermogravimetric analyzer. The sample is pyrolyzed from 30 to 700 °C at multiple heating rates (5, 10, 20, and 30 °C/min) in a nitrogen environment. The HZSM-5 was used as a support, while nickel and cerium were impregnated as promoters via incipient wetness impregnation method. For catalytic samples, the catalyst to biomass ratio was fixed at 1:1. The kinetic analysis of non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis was performed using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Coats-Redfern methods. The catalytic pyrolysis has achieved higher activation energy (2.87 – 68.92 kJ/mol) over conversion than the non-catalytic pyrolysis (24.20 – 122.33 kJ/mol) using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. The reaction mechanism of non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis follows power law (n=1) and chemical reaction (n=2) respectively via the Coats-Redfern method.

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Volatile Products of Camphorwood Pyrolysis in Inert Atmosphere.

The kinetics, thermodynamics, and volatile products of camphorwood pyrolysis were investigated via thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at multiple heating rates. The kinetic triplets and thermodynamic parameters were estimated via model free combined with the model-fitting approach. The results showed that the pyrolysis of camphorwood in the conversion rate range from 0 to 0.85 might be considered as one-step process. The mean value of the activation energy and pre-exponential factor was 192.63kJ/mol and 2.38 × 1013s-1, respectively. The pyrolysis process (0 ≤ α ≤ 0.85) can be described by the three-dimensional diffusion model g(α) = [(1-α)-1/3 -1]2. Furthermore, the predicted curves of the conversion rate α showed good agreement with the experimental curves. The values of ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS varied little with α and remained positive. In addition, the major gas products released from the camphorwood waste pyrolysis were H2O, methane, CO2, CO, C=O, O-H, C-O-C, and NH3, whose concentration in the order from highest to lowest was C=O > CO2 > O-H > H2O > methane > NH3 > C-O-C > CO. The main conclusions in the present study can provide guidance for the design and optimization of industrial reactor and selection of target biofuels or chemical raw materials.

Thermal kinetics involved during the solid-state synthesis of Cr2AlC MAX phase

The formation of nanolaminated Cr2AlC MAX phase by using solid-state synthesis route has been investigated through thermal analysis technique. The mixture of chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al) and graphite (C) in 2:1.4:1 was subjected to differential thermal analysis in an argon atmosphere and heated up to 1250 °C, at multiple heating rates (10, 20, 30, 40 °C min−1). Two endothermic peaks (~ 666 °C and ~ 1053 °C) are observed during the synthesis of Cr2AlC MAX phase. The formation of Cr2AlC is also confirmed through XRD, FESEM, HR-TEM and SAED analysis. The kinetic triplets (activation energy, pre-exponential factor and reaction mechanism) involved during the synthesis of Cr2AlC were estimated. The activation energy and reaction mechanism were determined by using iso-conversional model-free methods (KAS, FWO and FR methods) and integral master plot method, respectively. The results indicated that F2 (second-order) reaction mechanism dominates the formation of Cr2AlC MAX phase.

Comparison of single- and multi-ramp bulk kinetics for a natural maturity series of Westphalian coals: Implications for modelling petroleum generation

We present a comprehensive new pyrolysis data set for a maturity series (0.55–2.86% vitrinite reflectance) of Pennsylvanian coals (Westphalian, Ruhr Basin). The broad similarity of the organofacies was established by elemental and petrographic data. Comparison of maximum temperatures reached by the coals was based on commonly applied algorithms (Easy%Ro, Easy%RoDL, Basin%Ro). These temperatures were finally compared to predicted temperatures of petroleum generation from the same coals in order to test the reliability of kinetic data for numerical petroleum generation reconstruction from coal. Kinetic parameters were determined based on data from open-system pyrolysis performed on two instruments (Rock-Eval™ and Source Rock Analyzer™) and basin modelling was performed using PetroMod™ software and a simple, rapid burial and heating history (about 20 °C/million years), which is similar to the rapid heating which caused natural maturation of these coals.With increasing maturity, pyrolysis curves shift towards higher temperatures, no matter which heating rate is used. However, pyrolysis curves of higher maturity samples are not embedded within the more extended and larger pyrolysis curves of low maturity coals. HI values and H/C ratios do not significantly decrease over the maturity range from 0.55 to 0.8–0.9% vitrinite reflectance. These observations indicate significant restructuring of organic matter in coals and only limited petroleum generation and expulsion within this maturity range.The kinetic parameters were derived from single (5 °C/min) and multiple (0.7, 2, 5, 15 °C/min) heating rate pyrolysis tests. After temperature correction, kinetic parameters obtained by the two instruments differ only slightly.Kinetics based on multiple heating rates using a variable frequency factor and variable activation energies provide the best mathematical fit to the laboratory data but geologically inconsistent predictions for natural petroleum generation, i.e. no increase in predicted generation temperatures with increasing sample maturity. In contrast, kinetics based on a constant, physically meaningful frequency factor and a calculated range of activation energies provide more consistent results for the maturity sequence. Interestingly, single-ramp kinetics (5 °C/min) show similar results, i.e. increasing calculated temperatures for petroleum generation with increasing maturity.For the lowest maturity sample, petroleum generation temperatures (10–75% conversion) are higher than calculated maximum rock temperatures, while this is not the case for all higher maturity samples, for which much of the predicted petroleum generation occurs at “too low” temperatures, i.e. temperatures clearly lower than calculated maximum rock temperatures. Maximum temperatures predicted by the Easy%RoDL approach are about 10 °C closer to the lower limit of petroleum generation than those calculated by Basin%Ro. Thus, kinetic data can act as a useful tool for calculating petroleum generation in petroleum system modelling providing clues towards the thermal stability of kerogen. However, such data are far from describing petroleum generation in nature exactly and quantitatively, especially for coals.

Correlation between the cross-linking and degradation activation energy of cotton fabric treated with chitosan kinetic study by ‘model-free’ multiple heating rate methods

The different concentrations of chitosan were applied on cotton fabrics using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The fabric samples were thermally analysed from ambient temperature to 700 °C at four different linear heating rates, i.e. 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 °C min−1 in a flowing nitrogen medium. Non-isothermal ‘model-free’ multiple heating rate methods like Friedman and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose have been employed for the determination of degradation activation energy of the samples. The degradation mechanism based on activation energy calculation at different conversions has been proposed and compared with the extent of cross-linking. Also the method of universal master plots has been employed on isothermal data and worked on different models and their optimizations. This research work tries to achieve a correlation between activation energy and extent of cross-linking with the increase in chitosan concentration to the fabric.

Barium calcium titanate solid solution: Non-isothermal kinetic analysis of Ca2+ incorporation into BaTiO3

This paper investigates the non-isothermal kinetic analysis of Ca2+ incorporation into BaTiO3 in Ba0.85Ca0.15TiO3 (BCT15) lead-free ferroelectric material, prepared via the solid-state reaction method, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique at multiple heating rates. The X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) has demonstrated the formation of pure cubic BaTiO3 phase when the BCT15 precursors were calcined at 1000 °C. Incorporation kinetics was analyzed by Freidman, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) isoconversional methods. The results indicate that the incorporation process was carried out through a single-step. The kinetic parameters were determined through the combined kinetic analysis method. It was established that the incorporation mechanism follow perfectly the Avrami-Erofeev (A3) kinetic model. The values of activation energy (Ea) and preexponential factor (A) were found to be 388 kJ/mol and 4.1 × 1017 min−1, respectively. The obtained kinetic parameters are critical to better understand and optimize the incorporation process for BCT15 preparation with suitable and promising properties.

Evaluation of thermal decomposition characteristics and kinetic parameters of melina wood

The evaluation of thermal decomposition characteristics and kinetic parameters of melina wood were investigated. Proximate, ultimate and calorific value analyses of the melina wood were carried out based on standards. Melina wood was subjected to multiple heating rates (5–15 °C/min) in thermogravimetric experiment. Two prominent isoconversional methods (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Starink) were adopted to obtain kinetic parameters from the non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis curves. The ash, volatile matter and carbon contents of the melina were 2.15, 81.42 and 47.05%, respectively, while the calorific value was 18.72 MJ/kg. The main devolatilization stage of melina ranged from 220 °C to 350 °C while 80% weight loss was obtained below 400 °C. The activation energy varied between approximately 15 and 162 kJ/mol as a function of degree of conversion. The pre-exponential factors varied between 1.60E + 2 and 5.67 E + 12/min. The decomposition kinetic mechanism of melina is concluded to be a multi-step reaction.

Thermal stability assessment of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole picrate using thermal analysis method

4-Amino-1,2,4-triazole picrate (4-ATPA) is synthesized to reduce the corrosiveness of picric acid (PA) to metals, which simultaneously maintains the detonation performance of PA and the advantages of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole. In this work, the thermal stability of 4-ATPA is estimated using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and accelerating rate calorimeter. The dynamic TG experimental results suggest that the onset temperature is at the range of 189.0–220.0 °C under different heating rates. The average apparent activation energy of 4-ATPA is 112.0 ± 1.1 kJ mol−1 using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Starink, and Kissinger methods based on the multiple heating rates. The isothermal TG experiments indicate that 4-ATPA will be decomposed 10.0% within 1 day if the temperature exceeded 150.7 °C and will be decomposed 10.0% within 10.0 h if the temperature exceeded 162.6 °C. The adiabatic tests depicted that the exothermic reaction initiates at 186.0 °C and a rises sharply at 306.7 °C with the maximum self-heating rate of 4775.5 °C min−1. The exothermic event is accompanied by a pressure rise of 39.7 bar, which confirms the vulnerability of 4-ATPA to undergo catastrophic explosion.

Non-Isothermal Dehydration Kinetics of Diphasic Mullite Precursor Gel

Aluminosilicate gel precursor having mullite composition was synthesized from inorganic salts of aluminum and silicon by employing the sol-gel method. Chemical analysis, surface area, and bulk density measurements were performed to characterize the dried gel. The course of the palletization was examined by FT-IR analysis which confirmed the diphasic nature of the gel. SEM and XRD analysis were performed to study microstructure and phase development. ThermoGravimetric (TG) analysis of the dried gel was performed at multiple heating rates and from the results obtained; kinetics of thermal dehydration was studied by applying Friedman differential and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose integral isoconversional procedures. It was observed that the total dehydration process of the gel was accomplished by two different stages and both the stages followed second-order rate kinetics. The first stage was assigned to the dehydration of silicon hydroxide gel whereas the second stage was associated with aluminum hydroxide gel dehydration.

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Combustion Kinetic Characteristics of Owukpa Coal

Coal is a cheap and widely abundant fossil fuel that currently accounts for a significant share (35–40%) of the global energy mix. As a result, coal-fired electricity has catalyzed rapid socioeconomic growth and sustainable development worldwide. With the rapidly growing global energy demands, emerging economies like Nigeria need to address their widespread energy crises. Coal utilization for power generation is proposed as a panacea for the persistent power shortages, blackouts, and load shedding typically experienced in Nigeria. However, coal-fired power generation in Nigeria requires a comprehensive examination of the fuel properties, energy recovery potential, and emissions profiles of coal feedstocks, which is currently lacking in the literature. Therefore, this paper presents the comprehensive physicochemical, microstructure, mineralogical and thermal fuel properties of Owukpa (WKP) coal to evaluate its potential for future energy recovery and industrial applications. The results demonstrated that it contains high combustible elements, heating value (26.7 MJ/kg), and low potential for NOx and SOx emissions. Microstructural and mineralogical analyses revealed a mix of coarse-grained particles indicating the occurrence of carbonaceous and aluminosilicate minerals such as quartz, and kaolinite. Thermal properties of WKP revealed its low-rank coal (LRC) properties such as high thermal reactivity, which resulted from high mass loss (93.69 to 95.87%) and low residual mass (6.31 to 4.13%) during multiple heating rate TGA combustion. Kinetic analysis revealed that WKP is considerably reactive due to its low activation energy (Ea) and frequency factor (A), which ranged from Ea = 28.86 to 57.29 kJ/mol, whereas the A = 5.97 to 9.86 min–1 computed at high correlation R2 values of 0.97 to 1.0. The results showed that Owukpa (WKP) is a low-rank coal (LRC) with potential for electricity generation and other industrial applications.