Thermal characterization and isothermal kinetic analysis of commercial Creosote decomposition process

Isothermal decomposition process of commercial Creosote was analyzed by thermogravimetric technique in a nitrogen atmosphere, at four different operating temperatures (T = 230, 250, 270, and 290 °C). It was found that the two-parameter autocatalytic Šesták–Berggren kinetic model best describes the investigated process. It was established that the applied logistic function can successfully perform a given kinetic predictions of investigated process, at all operating temperatures. The experimental density distribution function of the apparent activation energy values was evaluated. Based of the characteristic shape of distribution curve, it was concluded that the isothermal pyrolysis of commercial Creosote represent a complex process, which probably includes primary and secondary (autocatalytic) pyrolysis reactions, together with various decomposition reactions and radicals recombination pathways.