Analysis on the effect of plasma and pyrolytic degradation in textile sludge

Abstract

This investigation provides a comprehensive analysis of plasma-treated textile sludge, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to uncover the material's microstructural, compositional, and thermal properties. SEM-EDX findings quantified the elemental makeup, revealing substantial quantities of calcium (29.76 wt%), oxygen (51.52 wt%), carbon (8.11 wt%), magnesium (10.19 wt%), and silicon (0.42 wt%), hinting at the formation of calcium-based minerals like calcite (CaCO₃). HR-TEM analysis confirmed these findings through lattice spacings and diffraction patterns. The temperature profile reveals a range from approximately 27.60°C to 760.32°C, with a median temperature of 393.96°C. This systematic increase, followed by a decline, suggests a controlled heating and cooling cycle. The Differential Thermal Analysis exhibits variations between 1.87 µV and −28.73 µV, with pronounced peaks and troughs indicative of potential phase transitions or specific chemical reactions, shedding light on the sample's thermal stability and its endothermic or exothermic nature at distinct temperatures. The Thermogravimetric Analysis (shows a significant weight loss, starting from an initial weight of 4716.60 µg and reaching a minimum of 3761.88 µg, indicating a decomposition or volatilization of components. The Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) visualizes the rate of weight change, accentuating peaks as high as 51.68 µg/min and troughs plummeting to −44.48 µg/min. This study highlights how plasma treatment changes the sludge's structure and stability, offering useful insights for better waste management in the textile industry.