Assessment of the Impact of Activated Carbon on Combustion Processes from the Standpoint of Environmental Safety of Model Condensed Systems

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Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation of the influence of activated carbon on the combustion kinetics of model condensed systems. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory-scale setup with controlled temperature and atmosphere, and all measurements were repeated to ensure statistical reliability (variance <5%). Varying the activated carbon content (0–15 wt%) led to an increase in the induction period from 15.2 s to 27.5 s, a decrease in the reaction front velocity from 12.5 mm/s to 7.8 mm/s, a reduction in peak temperature from 850 °C to 790 °C, and a decrease in total heat release from 520 kJ to 400 kJ. Kinetic behavior was modeled using second-order polynomial regression, with determination coefficients R² > 0.95, confirming excellent predictive accuracy. SEM-EDS analysis revealed a highly developed porous structure with a specific surface area of 446.8 m²/g, facilitating adsorption of reactive intermediates and stabilization of thermal effects. Gas chromatography identified major gaseous products: CO (51.5 %), CO₂ (38.7 %), H₂ (4.3 %), and N₂ (5.5 %), indicating active carbon gasification. Comprehensive data analysis, including thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, reaction-rate profiling, and cumulative enthalpy calculations, demonstrated that activated carbon effectively moderates the reaction front, controls heat release, and improves reproducibility of combustion.