Investigation of thermogravimetry and pyrolysis behavior of cigarettes by TGA and Py-GC/MS under different atmospheres

The thermogravimetry and pyrolysis behavior of cigarettes were investigated by thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(TG-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatrography/mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS).The curves of TG and derivative thermogravimetry(DTG) of cigarettes were determined,and the releasing amounts of H2O,CO2,CO,NH3 and CH4 produced by pyrolysis under different atmospheres were also compared.The results showed that the atmosphere had an obvious effect on the pyrolysis of cigarettes.The thermal decomposition of cigarettes were mainly taken place between 200-500℃ and became slowly after 700℃ under nitrogen and air atmosphere.The solid residue in nitrogen at final was about 25%,while in air was approximately 7-9%.The qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of the pyrolysis products of cigarettes were performed by Py-GC/MS at 600,700,800,900,1000℃ respectively.The effects of pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere on the pyrolysis behavior for the selected pyrolysates in smoke were discussed.