On the thermal decomposition kinetics of styrene-butadiene rubber in nitrogen atmosphere

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of styrene-butadiene rubber is investigated under various heating conditions (2 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and 20 degrees K/min) in nitrogen by means of thermogravimetric measurements. Results show that the initial reaction temperature is within 622-661 degrees K and apparent activation energy is 50.43 kcal/mol. The initial reaction temperature decreases but reaction range and reaction rate increase when heating rate is increased. The overall rate equation can be modelled by Arrhenius-type equation from which the kinetic parameters such as the activation energy, the pre-exponential factor, and the reaction order of unreacted material are determined using the Friedman method, The results will be useful in developing pyrolysis or starved-air incineration system for rubber-related wastes.