Statistical quantification of the influence of material properties on the oxidation and ignition of activated carbons

The influence of material properties on the reactivities of activated carbon materials have been studied on a laboratory scale. Carbon samples having diversified origin and properties were characterized using a thermogravimetry (TG) coupled with a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Reactivity parameters like the Point of Initial Oxidation (PIO) representing the beginning of the oxidation reactions and the Spontaneous Ignition Temperature (SIT) where the bed combustion takes place in a self sustaining manner were experimentally determined. The intrinsic properties of the activated carbons influencing oxidation and ignition were examined qualitatively followed by quantitative statistical correlations. Results from both qualitative and statistical correlations showed that increase in the oxygen content in the form of surface oxygenated groups increased the reactivity of activated carbons. It was by far the single most influential property discriminated from the analysis. The porosity characteristics like the specific surface area and pore volume did show some vague trends but could not be validated like that of the oxygen content. The effects of these individual properties on the oxidation and ignition reactivity are discussed.