ICTAC Kinetics Committee recommendations for performing kinetic computations on thermal analysis data

The present recommendations have been developed by the Kinetics Committee of the International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ICTAC). The recommendations offer guidance for reliable evaluation of kinetic parameters (the activation energy, the pre-exponential factor, and the reaction model) from the data obtained by means of thermal analysis methods such as thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The recommendations cover the most common kinetic methods, model-free (isoconversional) as well as model-fitting. The focus is on the problems faced by various kinetic methods and on the ways how these problems can be resolved. Recommendations on making reliable kinetic predictions are also provided. The objective of these recommendations is to help a non-expert with efficiently performing analysis and interpreting its results.

► Kinetics concepts are introduced and advices on collecting data are given. ► Methods based on multiple temperature programs are recommended. ► Evaluation of log A and f(α) or g(α) for isoconversional methods is described. ► Principles of securing reliability of model-fitting computations are offered. ► Problems of kinetic predictions and approaches to solving them are discussed.