Kinetic analysis by repeated temperature scanning. Part 1. Theory and methods

A repeated temperature scanning thermal analysis, such as temperature-modulated thermogravimetry, is a useful technique for the kinetic analysis of thermal decomposition in a defined temperature range. In this technique, repeated temperature scanning, i.e., cyclic heating and cooling in a defined temperature range, is introduced into thermal analysis. First, the kinetics for this new mode of temperature change are considered theoretically, and some useful relations for kinetic analysis are revealed. From these relations, methods for estimating kinetic parameters, such as the activation energy, the pre-exponential factor and the conversion functions, are derived. The errors in these parameters are also examined. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.