A GENERAL DIFFERENTIAL TECHNIQUE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS FOR D(ALPHA)/DT = F(ALPHA)A EXP (-E/RT) - ENERGY OF ACTIVATION, PREEXPONENTIAL FACTOR AND ORDER OF REACTION (WHEN APPLICABLE)

A general differential method is developed and described which determines the Arrhenius parameters, energy of activation and the preexponential factor, as functions of degree of conversion from sets of two or more experiments with differing thermal programs. (These experiments may be performed at any combination of isothermal, constant heating rate or other temperature programs.) The method tests to see whether or not the kinetics follow the equation, f(alpha) = (1-alpha)n, and calculates the correct reaction order, n, when such an equation is applicable. The correct energy of activation, E, is determined as a function of both temperature and conversion. The correct preexponential term, A, is calculated for all cases described by equation, d(alpha)/ dt = f (alpha) A exp(-E/RT), except for the 'autocatalytic' case in which f(alpha) = 0) = 0. Calculation of parameters for equations involving other functions for f(alpha) will be described in a subsequent paper.