TG-FTIR Analysis Research Articles

Co-pyrolysis of animal manure and plastic waste study using TG-FTIR analysis

In this paper, the co-pyrolysis of blends of animal manure (AM) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste was investigated using micro-thermal analysis techniques. Thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the process kinetics and potential synergistic effects during co-pyrolysis. Dynamic co-pyrolysis experiments of animal manure (AM) and polyethylene (PE) blends in proportions of (90:10 %) and (80:20 %) were conducted at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C/min under an N2 atmosphere. The process was analyzed and compared to the results obtained in the pyrolysis of pure components. AM and PE co-pyrolysis exhibited a synergic effect on the pyrolysis process, leading to a favorable change in the CPI pyrolysis initiation index. This was observed in the FTIR, shifting maximum devolatilization peaks by 14 °C towards lower temperatures and a lower activation energy of the main pyrolysis stage, with a decrease from 341.49±4.65 kJ/mol to 273.04±6.93 kJ/mol after the addition of 20 wt% PE to the blend. During co-pyrolysis, the main compounds observed in the FTIR absorption spectra were CO2, CO, CH4, NH3, and aromatic hydrocarbons from AM pyrolysis. Additionally, there was an increase in CH4 and short-chain hydrocarbons due to the PE pyrolysis.

Pyrolysis behaviour of ultrafiltration polymer composite membranes (PSF/PET): Kinetic, thermodynamic, prediction modelling using artificial neural network and volatile product analysis

This study aims to explore the feasibility of managing ultrafiltration polymer composite membranes (UPCM) waste and converting it into valuable chemicals and energy products using a pyrolysis process. The thermal decomposition experiments were performed on polysulfone (PSF)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes using thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The vapors generated during the thermochemical process were analyzed under different heating rate conditions using TG-FTIR and GC/MS. In addition, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the pyrolysis process were determined using conventional modeling methods and artificial neural network (ANN) method. The results demonstrated that the PSF/PET feedstock exhibits ahigh volatile matter content (77 % wt.%), which can be completely decomposed up to 600 °C by 79 wt%. While TG-FTIR analysis showed that the released vapors contained aromatic groups and benzoic acid (89.21 wt% at 15˚C/min) as the main GC/MS compound. Moreover, the kinetic analysis demonstrated complete decomposition of the membranes at a lower activation energy (151 kJ/mol). Meanwhile, the ANN model exhibited high performance in predicting the degradation stages of PSF/PET membranes under unknown heating conditions. This approach shows potential for modeling the thermal decomposition of ultrafiltration composite membranes more broadly.

Pyrolysis mechanism and evolved gas analysis of a promising energetic carbamate-functionalized microcrystalline cellulose nitrate

The present study aims to elucidate the decomposition mechanism and gas evolution characteristics of a promising energy-rich carbamated microcrystalline cellulose nitrate (M3CN). The molecular structure and morphological characteristics of starting microcrystalline cellulose carbamate (MCCC) and its nitrated derivative were examined using FTIR and SEM techniques. Thermal analysis using TGA and DSC revealed distinct decomposition behaviors for MCCC and M3CN. MCCC exhibited endothermic decomposition linked to the degradation of the cellulosic structure. In contrast, an exothermic decomposition event was observed for M3CN, attributed to the cleavage of energetic groups within the nitrated cellulosic chains. Furthermore, the hyphenated TG-FTIR analysis confirmed that the primary gaseous products emitted during the pyrolysis of M3CN included NO, N2O, NO2, CO2, H2O, CH4, HCHO, HCN, and CHNO. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the pyrolysis mechanism in cellulose-based energetic materials, providing a significant reference for forthcoming research and explorations in this field.

Bioinspired phosphorus-free and halogen-free biomass coatings for durable flame retardant modification of regenerated cellulose fibers

Inspired by mussel adhesion and intrinsic flame retardant alginate fibers, a biomass flame retardant (PPCA) containing adhesive catechol and sodium carboxylate structure (-COO−Na+) based on biomass amino acids and protocatechualdehyde was designed to prepare flame retardant Lyocell fibers (Lyocell@PPCA@Na). Furthermore, through the substitution and chelation of metal ions by PPCA in the cellulose molecular chain, flame retardant Lyocell fibers chelating copper and iron ions (Lyocell@PPCA@Cu, Lyocell@PPCA@Fe) were prepared. Compared with the original sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) for modified Lyocell fibers were significantly reduced. In addition, the modified sample exhibited a certain flame retardant durability. TG-FTIR analysis showed that the release of flammable gaseous substances was inhibited. The introduction of Schiff bases and aromatic structures in PPCA, as well as the decomposition of carboxylic metal salts were beneficial for the formation of char residue containing metal carbonates and metal oxides to play the condensed phase flame retardant effect. This work develops a new idea for the preparation of eco-friendly flame retardant Lyocell fibers without the traditional flame retardant elements such as P, Cl, and Br.

Kinetic modeling of thermal degradation of TDI/MDI-based flexible polyurethane foam under nitrogen and air atmospheres with Shuffled Complex Evolution algorithm: Insights from TG-FTIR analysis

This study investigates the thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics of TDI/MDI-based flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) under nitrogen and air atmospheres, employing thermogravimetric (TG) analysis in conjunction with TG-FTIR technique. The information gleaned from these analysis is used to construct kinetic model based on model-free approaches coupled with the Shuffled Complex Evolution optimization algorithm. The results uncovered the five-step complex thermal degradation process of TDI/MDI-based FPUF compared to TDI-based or MDI-based polyurethane in both atmospheres. In nitrogen atmosphere, this involve the dissociation of TDI- and MDI-based urethane bonds, breakage of recombined urea bonds, random chain scission of polyol, and further degradation of incompletely pyrolyzed solid products. In air atmosphere, the process emcompasses dissociation of TDI- and MDI-based urethane linkages, accelerated oxidation of polyol chains, consumption of urea groups, and combustion of partially oxidized intermediates. This work also emphasizes the limitations of solely relying on TG tests for kinetic modeling, necessitating the integration of TG tests and TG-FTIR technique to obtain a comprehensive understanding of degradation mechanisms. The significance of the acquired insights lies in their potential to reshape the design of thermo-chemical reactors, resulting in heightened resource recovery, diminished environmental impact, and a stride towards a circular economy within the polyurethane industry.

Catalytic stepwise pyrolysis for dechlorination and chemical recycling of PVC-containing mixed plastic wastes: Influence of temperature, heating rate, and catalyst

The viability of pyrolysis technology for chemical recycling of plastics is challenged by the presence of PVC in real-world mixed plastic wastes. This study aims to investigate catalytic stepwise pyrolysis as a pretreatment step to remove chlorine from PVC-containing plastic wastes prior to further processing. TG-FTIR and Py-GCMS analysis as well as experiments on a lab-scale pyrolysis system were conducted to study the influence of key processing parameters on the pretreatment including temperature, heating rate, and catalysts. Py-GCMS results indicated 300 °C to be the best pretreatment temperature in terms of balancing Cl removal and avoidance of organochloride formation. Metal oxides, i.e., CaO and Fe2O3, mainly acted as adsorbents of HCl gases with little cracking effect, and their adsorption effects are positively correlated with alkalinity. ZSM-5 catalysts promoted the release of HCl, and the dechlorination effect was more pronounced with ZSM-5 of higher acidity. In contrast, in the lab-scale pyrolysis system, 350 °C pretreatment achieved the highest HCl generation ratio, i.e., 43.60 %. The addition of zeolite catalyst significantly reduced the content of organochloride in the pyrolysis oil in contrast to the performance of metal oxides, but also absorbed most HCl instead of promoting HCl release as in Py-GCMS tests. Mass balance analyses revealed that the majority of chlorine was retained in the solid residues following the catalytic stepwise pyrolysis process, with the notable exception of Fe2O3. ZSM-5(25) catalyst combined with 350 °C pretreatment temperature and 550 °C final pyrolysis achieved the lowest chlorine content in the pyrolysis oil, i.e., 20 ppm, among different process conditions.

Porous nanosheets of TKX-50 by ice-templating strategy with excellent thermal decomposition and combustion properties

ABSTRACT Nanostructured energetic materials have attracted considerable research interests during the past decades because of their improved performances in thermal decomposition and combustion. In this work, a porous nanosheet structure of dihydroxylammonium 5, 5′-bistetrazole-1, 1′-diolate (TKX-50) has been fabricated by a facile ice templating strategy, which is based on the self-assembly of TKX-50 during rapid recrystallization. Thermal decomposition properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSC/TG) and TG-FTIR analyses. The laser-ignited and constant-volume combustions and mechanical sensitivity were conducted. As-prepared TKX-50 mainly presents porous nanosheets (NS-TKX-50) assembled by the secondary nanoparticles. NS-TKX-50 is typical of mesoporous materials with high specific surface area and pore volume. Compared with raw material, NS-TKX-50 exhibits lower thermal decomposition peak temperature and higher active energy. In thermal decomposition process, a great deal of gaseous products have been generated in a very narrow temperature range. These thermal decomposition features suggest a quick energy-release rate and high energy output. Contrary to incomplete combustion of raw material, NS-TKX-50 shows high-efficiency and self-sustaining laser-ignited combustion feature with a drastically decreased ignition threshold. And its pressurization rate and peak pressure are remarkably increased. Sensitivity results confirmed the visibly reduced impact and friction sensitivity of NS-TKX-50.

Analysis on combustion kinetics and emission characteristics of disposable paper cups

Most disposable paper cups (DPCs) end up being incinerated like most household waste due to high costs and technical limitations in China. And this has raised concerns due to potential environmental and health hazards. A combination of thermogravimetric analysis, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (TG-FTIR-MS) was employed to analyze the combustion process and identify the emitted gases during DPCs burning in this study. The combustion kinetics were elucidated through the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. The physicochemical characterization revealed remarkably high volatile matter (94.51 wt%) and an impressively high heating value of pistachio shell (19.54 MJ/kg). Combustion experiments were conducted in air atmosphere, starting from 30 ℃ to 1000 ℃, at four different heating rates of 10, 20, and 40 K/min. The TG results showed that combustion process of the DPCs included four stages and more than 80% of weight loss occurred at active combustion with temperature of 210–520 ℃, whose reaction mechanism can be described by the P5 model. The activation energies were calculated as 219.79 and 218.56 kJ/mol, respectively. TG-FTIR analysis revealed that CO2, H2O, CO, C = O, C-O and C-H functional group as the main combustion gas products. The relative concentration of the main volatile products was in the order of CO2 > H2O > C = O > aromatic compounds > C-O > CO > C-H according to TG-MS. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the combustion behavior of DPCs and highlighted the importance of proper waste management to mitigate the environmental impact of DPCs.

A durable flame retardant with N−P=O(O−NH4+)2 based on amino acid for cotton fabrics

The ammonium salt of glycine phosphamide phosphoric acid (AGPP), a highly durable bio-based flame retardant with N−P=O(O−NH4+)2, was synthesized without formaldehyde for cotton fabrics (CF). It was attached to CF by forming P−O−C with cellulose. The p-π conjugation of N and P=O made N−P(=O)−O−C very stable, so P−O−C was difficult to hydrolyze even during high-intensity washing, which greatly improved the launderability of treated CF. The limiting oxygen index of 25 wt% AGPP-treated CF was 51.6%, and only dropped to 43.9% after 50 laundering cycles performed following AATCC 61–2013 3 A standard (high temperature, intense machine wash). FT-IR and XPS results showed the presence of N−P and P−O−C bonds. TG, TG-FTIR, and residual char analyses implied that AGPP changed the degradation direction of CF and showed the condensed-phase flame-retardant mechanism. SEM, XRD, and mechanical property tests showed that the morphology, crystal structure, and mechanical performance of the finished CF were well sustained.

Investigation of coupling synergistic interaction during Co-pyrolysis of cabbage waste and tire waste

This study proposed upgradation of products by co-pyrolyzing a hydrogen-deficient waste, such as cabbage waste, with a hydrogen-rich waste, such as tire trash, demonstrating full resource utilization in an economical way. The effect of tire waste (TW) on the pyrolysis of cabbage waste (CW) was investigated to determine the coupling synergistic interaction. Four distinct samples, CW, 25 T%W, 50%TW, and 75%TW, were prepared by changing the mass ratio of TW to CW. The activation energy was calculated by Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) and the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods and found lowest for 50%TW as 108.39 kJ/mol (OFW) and 116.63 kJ/mol (KAS). The relative concentration of pyrolytic products including CO2, CH4, NH3, NO, CO, CC, C6H5OH and SO2 was determined by TG-FTIR analysis, and it was found that the concentrations changed significantly with temperature. Py/GC-MS results showed that as the mass ratio of TW increased, the yield of olefins and MAHs increased as well, reaching maximum levels of 29.76% and 26.78% for 75%TW, respectively. In contrast, the yield of OCs and PAHs declined, reaching minimum levels of 7.83% and 5.01% for 75%TW, respectively. Increased production of olefins and MAHs, particularly D-limonene, toluene, and benzene, demonstrates the significance of co-pyrolyzing CW and TW to meet energy needs for the chemical sector. While reduced PAH production has environmental benefits since it reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, in order to upgrade pyrolytic products, TW and CW may have a significant coupling synergistic interaction.

Boron-Based Mildew Preventive and Ultraviolet Absorbent Modification of Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings on Laminated Bamboo

In order to improve the outdoor exposure performance of laminated bamboo, boric acid/borax and UV absorbents, including triazole (UV1130), nano–TiO2, and nano–SiO2, were used to modify waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the coatings with and without modification were evaluated by adhesion strength, contact angle, wear, and temperature-resistance experiments. The antimildew properties of the coatings were evaluated by the bacteriostatic zone method, and the pyrolysis characteristics were investigated through TG–FTIR analysis. The results showed that, when compared with the unmodified WPU coating, the coatings with different modifications had stronger wear resistance; the mass loss of the best C4 coating was only 0.0078 g, which was 0.0203 g less than that of the unmodified C0 coating. However, when compared to the unmodified coating, the wettability of the modified coating increased to different degrees, and the contact angle of the C4 coating with the most obvious effect was only 36.50°. During the curing process of the modified coatings, the UV absorbents and boric acid/borax would interact with the C–N, C–O, and C=O bonds in the coating and change the molecular structure of the WPU. The thermal stability of the coatings with different modifications was enhanced. The best result, a 76.27% weight loss, was observed in the modified coating with boric acid/borax and 1.0% nano–TiO2. Different modified coatings had a certain degree of control effect on Aspergillus Niger, and the reason for this was considered the combined effect of boric acid/borax and UV absorbents.

Study on the pyrolysis characteristics and reaction mechanisms of WLED packaging materials

The waste light-emitting diode (WLED) is a new type waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The volume of waste WLEDs is huge and effective recycling and treatment have attracted widespread attention. However, it’s difficult to handle the WLED packaging materials in the recycling process because of the complex structure. Few studies have been conducted to analyze the efficient recycling of WLED packaging materials. In this study, the pyrolysis characteristics, pyrolysis kinetics and product composition of light-emitting diode (LED) packaging materials methyl phenyl silicon (MPS) were investigated using TG analysis, kinetic analysis, TG-FTIR analysis and Py-GC/MS analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was further combined to study the pyrolysis process of MPS. The TG analysis showed that the MPS pyrolysis was divided into two stages: 310–561 °C and 499–980 °C. The apparent activation energies of MPS pyrolysis were calculated by Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods to be 144.68–149.76 kJ·mol−1 (Stage I) and 95.99–105.47 kJ·mol−1 (Stage II), respectively. The pyrolysis kinetic reaction model of MPS was determined by the Coats-Redfern (CR) method: D1 for Stage I, C2 for Stage II. According to the TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS analysis results, 8 major gaseous products in the MPS pyrolysis process were identified, including CO2, benzene, HCl, biphenyl, chlorobenzene, styrene, ethylbenzene and chlorodimethylphenylsilane. Finally, the formation mechanism of different pyrolysis products was determined by DFT calculation. The pyrolysis characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism of WLED packaging materials may be helpful for the optimization of WLEDs pyrolysis recycling process and the regulation of pyrolysis products.

TG-DSC and TG-FTIR analysis of heavy fuel oil and vacuum residual oil pyrolysis and combustion: characterization, kinetics, and evolved gas analysis

TG-DSC and TG-FTIR analysis of heavy fuel oil and vacuum residual oil pyrolysis and combustion: characterization, kinetics, and evolved gas analysis

Catalytic capacity evolution of montmorillonite in in-situ combustion of heavy oil

Clay minerals such as montmorillonite are significant in petroleum storage and recovery. Montmorillonite (Mt) is a natural solid acid catalyst containing Brønsted and Lewis acid sites and can catalyze heavy oil oxidation (HOO) during in-situ combustion (ISC). However, its catalytic activity largely depends on the heating process of heavy oil. In the study, the catalytic capacity evolution of Mt in ISC of heavy oil was explored with the isoconversional method and thermal analysis. In low-temperature oxidation (LTO) and high-temperature oxidation (HTO) stages, the addition of Mt largely reduced the peak temperatures (Tpeak) of DTA and DTG and the Tpeak of H2O (LTO and HTO stages) and CO2 (HTO stage) in HOO. Notably, Mt did not always show the positive catalytic effect. In LTO stage, the thermal transformation process had a small effect on DTA Tpeak, Tpeak of H2O and CO2, and the reaction activation energy (Eα) of HOO. In HTO stage, the catalytic effect of Mt on HOO was related to its thermal transformation process, especially interlayer water (IW) dehydration and dehydroxylation. In HTO stage, the IW dehydration process of Mt showed the strongest catalytic effect on HOO, significantly reduced DTA Tpeak and Eα, and resulted in the lowest Tpeak of H2O and CO2. The dehydroxylation process of Mt also showed a certain effect, whereas the overlapping process between the dehydration (IW) reaction and partial dehydroxylation reaction of Mt had no positive catalytic effect on HOO. DTA, TG-FTIR, and non-isothermal kinetic analysis further confirmed that the catalytic capacity of Mt in HTO stage was improved by IW dehydration process of Mt and weakened by the dehydroxylation process of Mt.

Experimental and numerical investigations on the heat production and thermal storage characteristics of rapid preparation amorphous powder activated coke

• Preparation of rapid preparation amorphous powder activated coke was showed. • The oxidation characteristics of RAC were studied through experimental method. • The Arrhenius equation was used to analyze the oxidation reaction rate of RAC. • The thermal storage characteristics of RAC were studied with CFD simulation. • The temperature fields and concentration fields of coke bin were analyzed. The heat production and thermal storage characteristics of rapid-preparation amorphous powder activated coke (RAC) were investigated. RAC was prepared by using a drop-tube reactor system. The natural oxidation characteristics of RAC were studied through combined TG–FTIR analysis and temperature-programmed experiment. Experimental results showed that CO and CO 2 were the main oxidation products of RAC in air, and that the oxidation reaction was in accordance with the Arrhenius equation and law of mass action. Thermal storage characteristics were studied through computational fluid dynamics simulation. The maximum excess temperature θ max increases linearly with the increase of the initial temperature. The concentration fields of the products show that CO 2 is mainly concentrated in the upper part of the coke bin, and the CO generated by CO 2 at high temperature is mainly concentrated in the central part of the coke bin.

Development of functional hydroxyethyl cellulose-based composite films for food packaging applications.

Cellulose-based functional composite films can be a good substitute for conventional plastic packaging to ensure food safety. In this study, the semi-transparent, mechanical strengthened, UV-shielding, antibacterial and biocompatible films were developed from hydroxyethyl cellulose Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ε-polylysine (ε-PL) were respectively used as reinforcing agent and antibacterial agent, and chemical cross-linking among these three components were constructed using epichlorohydrin The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break were 95.9 ± 4.1 MPa and 148.8 ± 2.6%, respectively. TG-FTIR and XRD analyses indicated that chemical structure of the composite films could be well controlled by varying component proportion. From UV-Vis analysis, the optimum values of the percentage of blocking from UV-A and UV-B and ultraviolet protection factor values were 98.35%, 99.99% and 60.25, respectively. Additionally, the composite films exhibited good water vapor permeability, swelling behavior, antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. In terms of these properties, the shelf life of grapes could be extended to 6 days after packing with the composite film.

Simultaneous TG-FTIR analyses on molluscan shells: Characterization and thermal stability of organic-inorganic components

Here we demonstrate simultaneous analysis of evolved gases by thermogravimetry (TG) coupled with Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and correlate the weight losses with water, CO2 and other possible gaseous products evolved during progressive thermal degradation of shells of various mollusc species (gastropods and bivalves) in an inert atmosphere. Subsequent interpretation of the functional groups present in the sea shells is carried out. Our study infers that the water molecules and to some extent CO2 are continuously getting emitted during progressive thermal degradation of sea shells during stage-I with just about 1–2% weight loss. No peaks related to amides, carboxylic acid functionality or thermal degradation products thereof are observed during this stage. These degraded products are either from associated water and non-mineral carbonate species or from low molecular weight biomacromolecules. This, contrary to usually accepted data, shows organic matrix (mixture of organic components/proteins) do not degrade completely in the first step (lower temperature), indicating their presence with strong bonding in inter-platelet regions and also probably in the crystal lattice of mineral phase and reveals greater thermal stability of the organic matrix in mollusc shells. Our findings enable previous studies, both quantitative and qualitative, to be re-evaluated resulting in a more consistent and inclusive view of organic matrices and water with potential implications in biomineralization processes.

Combustion kinetics and fuel performance of tackifying resins by TG-FTIR and DFT analysis

Combustion kinetics and fuel performance of tackifying resins such as glycerol ester of colophony (GEC), glycerol ester of hydrogenated colophony (GEHC), C9 petroleum resin (C9PR) and hydrogenated C9 petroleum resin (HC9PR) were studied. Non-isothermal thermal analysis was performed in an air atmosphere, and the combustion characteristic, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated. Results show that all the resins studied have good combustion performance and environmental characteristics, and their experimental calorific values are 1.15–1.54 times of standard coal-equivalent (29.31 MJ/kg), indicating that tackifying resins and their corresponding wastes are promising fuel for generating energy. Furthermore, based on the isoconversional and master plots methods, it was found that the combustion of different resins was a kinetically complicated reaction, but the R3 model had an acceptable fitting effect in the whole combustion process. TG-FTIR and density functional theory (DFT) results demonstrate that colophony-based resins tend to degrade/burn the branched chains first and then the tricyclic phenanthrene structures, while petroleum resins degrade/burn the CC bonds on the backbone first and then the aromatic compounds, and the volatiles are mainly composed of H2O, CH4, CO2, CO, aromatic compounds and carbonyl derivatives.

Tricopper(II)bis(2-((hydrogen phosphonato)methyl)benzylphosphonate) as a layered oxo-bridged copper(II) coordination polymer: Synthesis, structure, magnetic property, and catalytic activity

A new copper diphosphonate framework with the formula [Cu3(C8H9O6P2)2]n has been synthesized using a trianion of (1,2-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(phosphonic acid) (H4L, C8H12O6P2) under hydrothermal conditions. The coordination polymer was fully characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, ICP-OES, TG-FTIR and single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that title compound forms a two-dimensional coordination network in an ionic portion, giving an alternating organic/inorganic bilayer structure. From the analysis of magnetic susceptibility measurement between 1.8 and 100 K, relatively weak superexchange antiferromagnetic interactions were characterized, which is compatible with the geometries of the oxo-bridged Cu2+ ions. It can be used as an efficient catalyst for oxidation of thymol to thymoquinone. In addition, it shows high selectivity under the applied catalytic conditions and can be recycled at least three times without any significant degradation.

Perspective on the disposal of PVC artificial leather via pyrolysis: Thermodynamics, kinetics, synergistic effects and reaction mechanism

With the massive production and discard of PVC artificial leather, it is urgently needed to find an efficient and environment-friendly method to dispose of this material made from PVC and blended cloth (BC). As a widely accepted way to dispose of municipal solid waste, pyrolysis was chosen for this study. The pyrolysis experiments of PVC, BC, and their mixture were conducted to characterize PVC artificial leather’s pyrolysis behavior and product characteristics. TG-FTIR and kinetics analysis showed the strong synergistic effect between PVC and cellulose in BC occurred at 240 °C – 314 °C, resulting in cellulose dehydration and aromatization. An exceptionally high tar yield of 54.96 wt% was obtained by fast pyrolysis of the mixture at 500 °C. GC–MS analysis of tar proved BC consisted of cellulose, PET, and PA. The high tar yield of co-pyrolysis came from the synergistic effects of PVC on cellulose and PET, both of which formed terephthalic acid, di(2-chloroethyl) ester (TADE). At 500 °C, the tar of the mixture mainly contained TADE (18.72 wt%), terephthalic acid (18.56 wt%), and aromatics (19.04 wt%). The co-pyrolysis interaction mechanism at 500 °C was deduced. Our study could provide theoretical guidance for recycling PVC artificial leather waste.