The fundamental thermal behavior of five materials (Illinois coal #6,
Kentucky coal #9, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose and newspaper) has bee
n investigated using the TGA/FTIR/MS system under different combustion
conditions. At a fast heating rate, the decomposition temperatures sh
ift towards higher temperatures and the maximum weight loss rates incr
ease by 3-7 times those at the slow heating rate. The gases evolved fr
om the decomposition have been analyzed kinetically. More organic comp
ounds are identified at the faster heating rate. Also, molecular chlor
ine is observed in the oxidation of PVC. These two species may lead to
the formation of chlorinated organic compounds. The results indicate
that the TGA/FTIR/MS system can be used to evaluate the effect on the
environment of co-firing high-sulfur coal with refuse-derived fuels.