Pyrolysis kinetics of recycled polyesters

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the non-isothermal degradation kinetics of recycled polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in a nitrogen atmosphere. Design/methodology/approach – To achieve this goal, the author utilized standard kinetic models, such as Coats-Redfern and Kissinger equations, for analysis of the TGA data. Findings – When applied to the TGA data, the Kissinger model resulted in a coefficient of determination ( R 2) value greater than 0.99. Originality/value – This study describes the maiden application of the Kissinger model to obtain the pre-exponential factor ( A ) and activation energy ( E ) for different polyester systems used in the textile industry.