Thermal degradation of cellulose in air and nitrogen at low temperatures

Abstract

Thermal analysis and kinetic studies have shown that oxidative reactions are responsible for acceleration in the rates of weight loss and depolymerization of cellulose on pyrolysis in air at temperatures below 300°C. The oxidative reactions include production of hydroperoxide, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups, which have been investigated at lower temperatures along with the rates of depolymerization and production of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The experimental results are consistent with an autoxidation mechanism involving initiation, propagation, and decomposition reactions. At temperatures above 300°, the rate of pyrolysis is essentially the same in both air and nitrogen, indicating that thermal degradation is independent of the oxidative reactions.