A 1-D non-isothermal dynamic model for the thermal decomposition of a gibbsite particle

► We model gas-solid reactions in which the gas is a product only and has a negative effect on reaction rate. ► Thermal dehydration of gibbsite particles to alumina is used to verify the proposed model. ► Gibbsite calcination is modelled at the particle scale with consideration of the self-inhibiting nature of the decomposition reaction. ► As a key feature, the model is able to predict the experimentally observed temperature plateau and the build-up of water vapour pressure inside a particle.