Pyrolysis kinetics and thermal characteristics of rice husk‐derived bioplastic films

Abstract

Bioplastics are increasingly being used for packaging applications, leading to the generation of a complex fraction of waste at their end of life. Pyrolysis treatment is one potential technique that can be used to convert bioplastic waste into fuel and energy. Here, pyrolysis of alkaline‐treated K85 rice husk‐derived bioplastic films was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at different heating rates (10, 20 and 30 K min ⁻¹ ). The influence of different ratios of succinylation and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether‐induced crosslinking on the combustion as well as the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics were evaluated. Model‐free methods (Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), Starink and Tang) were used to develop the kinetic model of pyrolysis of the bioplastic films. Differential scanning calorimetry showed glass transitions at around 25 °C, where the films passed from a rigid glassy state to a rubbery solid state. TGA results showed that the main decomposition of the bioplastic films happened in the range of 340.0–416.5 °C, while the kinetic models indicated that the average activation energies for the samples were estimated at 142.3–228.3 kJ mol ⁻¹ (KAS), 145.0–232.3 kJ mol ⁻¹ (OFW), 142.6–288.5 kJ mol ⁻¹ (Starink) and 135.8–217.5 kJ mol ⁻¹ (Tang). Due to the low energy barrier between activation energy and enthalpy (≤5.7 kJ mol ⁻¹ ), the reaction initiation of the films occurs easily. In conclusion, the results support the suitability of pyrolysis as an effective end‐of‐life management option for rice husk‐derived bioplastic films, directly supporting circular economy goals for biobased materials. The kinetic parameters, validated across four independent models, provide a quantitative foundation for the design and optimization of industrial‐scale pyrolysis reactors targeting bioplastic packaging waste streams. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.