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Use and misuse of logistic equations for modeling chemical kinetics

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Abstract

A generalized logistic function has been proposed as a kinetic analysis method that is superior to traditional methods. In fact, the parameter τ in the generalized logistic function has an effect on the reaction profile similar to the parameter n in the extended Prout–Tompkins model for autocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, the comparisons made in some papers to traditional methods were made by using the discredited method of determining kinetic parameters from a single heating rate, so they are misleading compared to proper kinetic analysis methods that simultaneously analyze multiple thermal histories. In addition, the current implementation of the generalized logistic function of fitting each experiment individually is prone to introduce errors in the kinetic parameters. Guidance is given on how the generalized logistic function might be used for proper chemical kinetic analysis.

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    Alan K. Burnham

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Correspondence to Alan K. Burnham.

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Burnham, A.K. Use and misuse of logistic equations for modeling chemical kinetics. J Therm Anal Calorim 127, 1107–1116 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-015-4879-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-015-4879-3

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