TITLE:
TGA-DSC: A Screening Tool for the Evaluation of Hydrocracking Catalyst Performance
AUTHORS:
Muhammad Salman, Shazia Nisar, Zahid Hussain, Hina Salman, Mohib R. Kazimi
KEYWORDS:
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), DSC, Pyrolysis, Catalytic Degradation, Polypropylene Waste Plastic, Catalysis
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Analytical Chemistry,
Vol.6 No.4,
March
31,
2015
ABSTRACT: DSC-TGA
was used for screening of commercially available and synthesized catalyst for the
degradation of polypropylene (PP). In this study, all the runs were performed with
50% load of the catalyst and the results were compared with those of PP + 50% pure
silica having no catalytic activity. The degradation behavior of PP using catalyst
Zeolyst-713 exhibited much higher degradation activity among the other catalysts
used in this study. Moreover, it contributed to lowering of initial stage temperature
showing a shape-selective effect. DSC-TGA tools such as Ton, Tmax,
T99%, activation energy, enthalpy change in the process and coke content
were used for screening. It was concluded that the pore construction and unique
acid properties of the Zeolyst-713 as well as proper reaction temperatures were
significant influential factors to fully exert this effect. In this work, kinetics
of catalytic thermogravimetric degradation of PP used for domestic purposes was
investigated using Alumino-silicate catalyst. Zeolyst-713 was observed to lower
activation energy and enhances degradation activity in comparison with thermal degradation
without a catalyst.