The decomposition kinetics of molybdenite in an argon plasma

A reactor system was developed for the study of heterogeneous reaction kinetics in plasma tail flames. This system was used to investigate the thermal decomposition kinetics of stationary particles of molybdenum disulfide in both the molten and solid state when exposed to argon flames in the temperature range 3 000°K to 8 000°K. In the solid state a shrinking‐core reaction model was obeyed. The rate of reaction was largely controlled by the diffusion of sulfur vapor outwards through the product layer. An apparent activation energy of 134 kcal/mole was calculated for the particle temperature range 1 613° to 1 833°K The molten state reaction was controlled by the rate of heat transfer to the reacting particle. Calculations indicated that the rate of heat transfer was influenced by the efflux of sulfur.