Thermal decomposition and combustion analysis of Malaysian peat soil samples using Coats Redfern model-free method

Dayang Nur Sakinah Musa, . and Hamidah Jamil, . and Mohd Zahirasri Mohd Tohir, . and Syafiie Syam, . and Ridwan Yahaya, . (2024) Thermal decomposition and combustion analysis of Malaysian peat soil samples using Coats Redfern model-free method. Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology (Malaysia), 32 (2). pp. 839-858. ISSN 2231-8526

This research investigates the thermal decomposition behaviour of Malaysian peat soil through thermogravimetric analysis at varying heating rates. The study aims to analyse the thermal kinetics of decomposition for distinct peat soil types under inert and oxidative atmospheres while considering the role of available oxygen. The investigation encompasses virgin and agricultural peat, employing a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis technique to evaluate thermal decomposition characteristics and compute kinetic parameters using the Coats Redfern model-free approach. The pyrolysis profiles reveal three primary stages: moisture evaporation (30–180°C), organic component decomposition (200–500°C), and mineral decomposition (600–800°C). Virgin peat experiences a 43% mass loss during pyrolysis, while agricultural peat shows a 46% mass loss, emphasising insights into thermal behaviour and consistent decomposition patterns across peat types. Combustion profiles exhibit three main stages: dehydration (30–180°C), oxidative pyrolysis transforming organic matter into volatiles and char (200–300°C), and subsequent char oxidation (300–500°C). The study determines average activation energy trends, measuring 14.87 kJ/mol for virgin peat and 5.37 kJ/mol for agricultural peat under an inert atmosphere, and 28.89 kJ/mol for virgin peat and 36.66 kJ/mol for agricultural peat under an oxidative atmosphere. The research introduces an innovative two-step reaction model elucidating peat thermal decomposition kinetics (excluding dehydration), including a discussion on the impact of oxygen availability on kinetic parameters. These findings essential peat fire smouldering modelling, contributing to peat combustion behaviour for effective strategies to reduce peat fire risks.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/resources/files/Pe...

Abstract

This research investigates the thermal decomposition behaviour of Malaysian peat soil through thermogravimetric analysis at varying heating rates. The study aims to analyse the thermal kinetics of decomposition for distinct peat soil types under inert and oxidative atmospheres while considering the role of available oxygen. The investigation encompasses virgin and agricultural peat, employing a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis technique to evaluate thermal decomposition characteristics and compute kinetic parameters using the Coats Redfern model-free approach. The pyrolysis profiles reveal three primary stages: moisture evaporation (30–180°C), organic component decomposition (200–500°C), and mineral decomposition (600–800°C). Virgin peat experiences a 43% mass loss during pyrolysis, while agricultural peat shows a 46% mass loss, emphasising insights into thermal behaviour and consistent decomposition patterns across peat types. Combustion profiles exhibit three main stages: dehydration (30–180°C), oxidative pyrolysis transforming organic matter into volatiles and char (200–300°C), and subsequent char oxidation (300–500°C). The study determines average activation energy trends, measuring 14.87 kJ/mol for virgin peat and 5.37 kJ/mol for agricultural peat under an inert atmosphere, and 28.89 kJ/mol for virgin peat and 36.66 kJ/mol for agricultural peat under an oxidative atmosphere. The research introduces an innovative two-step reaction model elucidating peat thermal decomposition kinetics (excluding dehydration), including a discussion on the impact of oxygen availability on kinetic parameters. These findings essential peat fire smouldering modelling, contributing to peat combustion behaviour for effective strategies to reduce peat fire risks.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	peat soils
AGROVOC Term:	thermal degradation
AGROVOC Term:	thermogravimetric analysis
AGROVOC Term:	virgin soils
AGROVOC Term:	mathematical models
AGROVOC Term:	pyrolysis
AGROVOC Term:	combustion
AGROVOC Term:	fire control
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2025 10:01
Last Modified:	27 Nov 2025 10:01
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2806

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