Application of non-linear regression methods for the estimation of common kinetic parameters from several thermoanalytical curves

Novel methods of unified evaluation of two (or more) thermogravimetric curves have been worked out on the basis of known non-linear parameter estimating procedures (Gauss-Newton-Marquardt-type regression and the direct integral method of Valko and Vajda were adapted). Their ability to provide estimate for common kinetic parameters of several TG (m−T) or DTG (dm/dt-T) curves were tested for pairs of curves of different heating rates, and for repeated curves of the same heating rate, obtained for the decomposition of CaCO3 in open crucible. In these cases the Arrhenius terms and then-th order model functions were assumed. The fitting ability of estimations made for single curves and for pairs of curves sharing different number of parameters, was judged on the base of residual deviations (S res ) and compared to the standard deviation of the measurements.