Insights into thermokinetic analysis of impregnated paper waste pyrolysis by isoconversional and master plots methods

Abstract Melamine–urea–formaldehyde impregnated paper (MUF-IP) is increasingly used in exterior applications and as decorative raw paper, and its waste may cause environmental pollution. In this study, the physicochemical properties, pyrolysis thermokinetic behavior and pyrolysis products of melamine–urea–formaldehyde impregnated paper waste (MUF-IPW) were investigated by using isoconversional and master plot methods, TG-FTIR and GC/MS analyses. The physicochemical properties were established by ultimate and proximate analyses, oxygen bomb calorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy. Pyrolysis kinetics experiments were performed at different heating rates (10, 20, 30 and 40 K.min −1 ) by using TGA. Model-free methods (KAS, Friedman and Starink) were applied to calculate activation energies, which were found to be 122, 140 and 123 kJ mol −1 , respectively. Pseudo-components were also determined by using Fraser–Suzuki deconvolution, and it was observed that the active pyrolysis region was divided into two zones (hemicellulose and cellulose). CO 2 and N-containing compounds were the main gaseous and liquid products of MUF-IPW pyrolysis, respectively.