Kinetic Parameters from Thermogravimetric Data

THE use of thermogravimetric data to evaluate kinetic parameters of solid-state reactions involving weight loss (or gain) has been investigated by a number of workers^1–4. Freeman and Carroll² have stated some of the advantages of this method over conventional isothermal studies. To these reasons may be added the advantage of using one single sample for investigation. However, the importance of procedural details, such as crucible geometry, heating rate, pre-history of sample, and particle size, on the parameters has yet to be fully investigated. It is also necessary to ensure accurate temperature measurement, both for precision and also to detect any departure from a linear heating rate due to endo- or exo-thermic reactions. (The effect of these may be largely eliminated by the use of small samples.) In our present work (using a Stanton HT–D thermobalance) the sample temperature is measured directly by means of a thermocouple the bead of which is positioned in or near the sample, depending on crucible design, the wires of which run down a twin-bore rise rod. The connexion between the end of the thermocouple wires on the balance arm and the terminal block is made by 0.001 in. platinum and platinum/rhodium wires⁵. It has been shown that these wires do not affect the performance of the balance but act merely as a subsidiary damping. From the terminal block compensated cable leads to the cold junction and a potentiometric arrangement for direct measurement of the thermocouple output.