Thermogravimetric and pyrolytic investigations on scrap tires

Thermogravimetric, TG, analysis of scrap tire (ST) powder indicated that it decomposes between 180 and 475 degrees C losing 60% of its weight in two step process. The material further decomposes to end up with only similar to 3.8% residual products at 680 degrees C. Potassium carbonate slightly affected the modes of scrap tires decomposition. On the basis of the TG results pyrolysis, experiments were carried out coupled with gas chromatographic analysis of the volatiles and trapping of the condensed liquids. The pyrolytic investigation was performed in a pyrex vertical reactor with sintered glass disc to hold the sample and aid fluidization with the nitrogen stream flowing upwards. Tar and char are collected and weighed. The effect of pyrolysis temperature and the presence of potassium carbonate on the tar, char and gas yields were studied. The C-1-C-3 content of the pyrolysis gases increased from 0.17% to 60.1% by increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 470 to 550 degrees C at the expense of the C-4 and C-5 components. Further, there was an increase in the hydrogen content of gaseous components with pyrolysis temperature increase. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.