Thermodynamic, pyrolytic, and kinetic investigation on the thermal decomposition of polyvinyl chloride in the presence of franklinite

Thermal co-treatment of Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may provide a viable route for reprocessing these hazardous materials within the circular economy. To develop optimise commercial treatment process, complex mechanistic pathway resulting from reaction two wastes must be understood. Franklinite (ZnFe2O4) is major zinc containing phase in EAFD to date, little work has been undertaken on decomposition PVC its presence. Herein, we present thermodynamic, pyrolytic, kinetic study degradation presence ZnFe2O4. It was found that ZnFe2O4 decomposed associated halides. Additionally, kinetics data confirmed catalytic activity ZnFe2O4, dropping de-hydrochlorination onset temperature 272 235 °C. The distribution activation energy with conversion suggests several competitive reactions each different barrier. In such case, channelling can take place leading selective chlorination. Moreover, since reduction Fe2O3 slow at low temperatures, it recommended operate as °C which promote chlorination selectivity towards leaving iron bearing compounds their stable form (Fe2O3).