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Journal of Advanced Engineering and Management Research
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2026

Linking Pyrolysis Kinetics and Heat Release Behavior of Polymers: A Focused Review of TGA/DSC and MCC Approaches

Mohamed Koraiem Handawy
Mechanical Power Engineering and Energy Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, 61519 Minia, Egypt
* Corresponding Author : mohkoraiem@mu.edu.eg
DOI: 10.1234/jaemr.2026.01.02.010201
Pages: 1-17
Abstract
Understanding the relation between polymer decomposition kinetics and flammability is essential for predicting fire hazard and for design of flame-retardant materials. This focused review critically examines the kinetic and thermochemical basis of polymer thermal decomposition with particular emphasis on integration of thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis (TGA/DSC) with microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). The theoretical background of solid-state reaction kinetics, Arrhenius modeling, and isoconversional methods is first reviewed, followed by analysis of the principles governing heat release measurements based on oxygen consumption calorimetry. The review highlights recent efforts to correlate activation energy, characteristic decomposition temperatures, and reaction mechanisms with key flammability parameters, including heat release capacity, peak heat release rate, and total heat of combustion. The synthesis indicates that, although significant progress has been achieved in coupling mass loss kinetics with heat release behavior, important challenges still remain in treatment of multi-step degradation, char-forming systems, and heating-rate effects. Overall, the integration of kinetic and thermochemical analyses provides a promising framework for linking polymer pyrolysis mechanisms to flammability performance and for improving the predictive capability of fire hazard assessment.
Keywords:
Polymer thermal decomposition; Pyrolysis kinetics; Thermogravimetric analysis; Microscale combustion calorimetry; Flammability characterization
Text
1. Introduction
The rapid growth of the global population, together with accelerated urbanization, industrial expansion, and changing consumption patterns, has resulted in an unprecedented increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation worldwide. At present, more than two billion tonnes of MSW are produced annually, and this amount is expected to rise considerably in the coming decades if current management practices continue [1]. Figure 1 shows the typical composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) on a global basis, providing insight into the relative proportions of major waste fractions. The organic portion, especially food and green waste, constitutes the largest single category, accounting for approximately 44% of total MSW. This dominant share reflects the global prevalence of biodegradable materials from households and food services. Paper and cardboard follow with about 17%, indicating ongoing use of paper products in packaging and communication materials. Plastics make up roughly 12% of the waste stream, a significant share given the environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution and the challenges of recycling mixed polymer wastes. Smaller fractions include glass at about 5%, metals at around 4%, wood and rubber each near 2%, and the remainder classified as other materials such as textiles and mixed waste streams [2,3]. This distribution underscores the complexity of managing MSW due to its heterogeneous nature and highlights the particular importance of strategies that can address both high-organic and plastic components, including emerging thermochemical treatments such as pyrolysis. The composition profile cited here aligns with recent global assessments indicating similar constituency percentages for MSW across diverse regions and economic contexts [4].
Plastic waste represents a significant fraction of the global MSW stream, mainly due to the extensive use of single-use and short-lived plastic products, especially for packaging applications. Despite ongoing improvements in waste management systems, global plastic recycling rates remain critically low, while most plastic waste is still landfilled, incinerated, or improperly managed [5,6]. These practices cause serious environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, contamination of soil and water resources, and marine pollution. Conventional mechanical and chemical recycling routes face several economic and technical limitations, particularly when treating mixed or contaminated plastic waste streams. As a result, increasing attention has been directed toward advanced thermochemical conversion technologies, such as pyrolysis, which provide a promising route for converting plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. In this global context, the development and optimization of sustainable waste-to-energy solutions are considered essential for supporting circular economy strategies and reducing dependence on fossil resources while mitigating climate-related impacts [7,8].
The study of the combustion and pyrolysis of polymeric materials includes several components like the study of the chemical reaction mechanism (Chemistry), accounting for heat transfer (Energy transfer), and gas flows (Gas flow). Both chemical and physical changes occur when a polymeric material is exposed to excessive heating. Once the polymer is heated, it starts to decompose, and the carbon backbone is cracked into shorter carbon chains. Begins yielding volatile products that are usually combustible. Additionally, the polymer can melt before decomposition what depends on the degree of crosslinking and its stability[9–11]. Polymer decomposition can occur through different mechanisms, and it can be chemical or thermal crack. And it happens by exposed polymers by the amount to heat, which causes the breakdown of the polymer chain and releases volatile gases and light compounds. The energy required for a particular chemical reaction to occur is referred to as the activation energy. According to Fig. 2, the initial energy needed to free molecules from the polymer chain is higher than the enthalpy ∆H, and these molecules get their energy to release and undergo reaction[12,13].
Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
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