Kinetics of carbon cluster formation in the course of C3O2 pyrolysis

The kinetics of the formation of condensed carbon particles in the thermal decomposition of C3O2 molecules behind shock waves was experimentally studi ed at temperatures of 1200-2500 K, pressures of similar to 20-60 atm, and m olar fractions of C3O2 in a mixture with argon in the range 0.03-2.00%. The concentration of condensed carbon particles was measured by the absorption of laser radiation at wavelengths of 632.8 and 1064 nm. The experimental r esults were compared with data calculated in the framework of three differe nt models. Two of these models (analytical) include the kinetics of the for mation of the particle-size distribution function and give a simplified des cription of the kinetics of gas-phase reactions involving C3O2 and decompos ition fragments. The third model (numerical) combines detailed descriptions of the kinetics and the coagulation dynamics. Several types of condensed c arbon particles were considered: carbon clusters, soot particles, and fulle renes. The transitions between various forms of condensed carbon particles were included into the kinetic scheme of the model. All main observed speci fic features of the growth kinetics of condensed carbon particles during C3 O2 pyrolysis can be described in terms of these models.