An investigation of the non-isothermal pyrolysis of two types of rayon fiber in an inert atmosphere

The thermal pyrolysis behaviors of two types of rayon fibers derived from wood pulp and cotton pulp have been investigated in the temperature range of 200 similar to 500degreesC by dynamic TG and DTG in an argon atmosphere. Like other cellulosic materials, the weight loss of the wood-derived and cotton-derived rayon fibers levels off after a sharp decrease over a narrow temperature range of 300 similar to 350 degreesC. The values of activation energy E, order of reaction n, and frequency factor A have been determined by the modified Friedman equation, using TG and DTG data. Results show that both types of rayon fibers have similar kinetic behaviors, comparable with those of other cellulosic materials.