Pyrolysis and combustion kinetics of microcapsules containing carbon nanofibers by thermal analysis–mass spectrometry

The thermal properties of microcapsules containing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) suspended in ethyl phenylacetate (EPA) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA–MS). The pyrolysis of these microcapsules consisted of two stages. During the first one (100–150 °C), the emissions of aromatic compounds coming from the decomposition of EPA were identified. In the second one (150–290 °C), NH2–CO coming from primary amide decomposition was mainly detected.A multiple-step model was used to predict the thermal decomposition of the synthesized microcapsules under both inert and oxidant atmospheres. Furthermore, pyrolysis and combustion kinetic parameters such as pre-exponential factor and activation energy of these microcapsules were estimated by nonlinear regression. An excellent agreement between experimental and predicted data was observed and confirmed from the statistical point of view.

► The pyrolysis and combustion of microcapsules containing CNFs were investigated.
► The microcapsules pyrolysis process consisted of two consecutive stages.
► Poisonous gases were not emitted during the microcapsules thermal decomposition.
► A multiple-step model was used to predict the microcapsules thermal decomposition.
► An excellent agreement between experimental and predicted data was observed.