Examination of Kissinger's equation for solid-state transformation

Applying numerical calculations for isochronal transformations on heating assuming site saturation or continuous nucleation, the applicability of Kissinger's equation was examined, in combination with an analytical transformation model. Only if in the temperature integral the starting temperature for the transformation T is sufficiently larger than T-0, which indicates the temperature of the initial state, an exact value for effective activation energy Q can be deduced using Kissinger's equation. In the meantime, a recipe, derived from the transformation rate, is proved to be applicable to isochronal transformations, independent of T-0. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.