Thermal Decomposition Processes in Relation to the Type of Organic Matter, Mineral and Maceral Composition of Menilite Shales

The aim of the research presented in this article was to analyse the processes of source-rock decomposition, including kinetic parameters of pyrolysis, in relation to the type of the organic matter and its maturity. The examined source rocks were Menilite shales from several units within the Flysch Carpathians (Poland). The samples were analysed with use of thermal methods, including Rock-Eval and thermogravimetry coupled with an FTIR detector. Kinetic parameters were determined with use of the model-free integral isoconversion method Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose. The observed gas evolution from the source rocks indicates two stages of organic matter decomposition for some samples. The main stage of pyrolysis takes place in the temperature range from 300 to 500 °C, while the secondary—cracking—takes place in the temperature range from 500 to 650 °C. Using FTIR, we detected vibrations derived from N-H groups, which provide information on the presence of nitrogen in the organic matter, and indicate a low maturity level. C=C stretching vibrations of aromatic hydrocarbons prove a higher maturity of organic matter. The Menilite source rocks have different activation energies, which are related to different organic and mineral compositions. The maturity of organic matter does not have a decisive influence on the kinetic parameters. A high share of carbonates in the rock increases the value of the apparent activation energy. The high share of bituminite within maceral components reduces the value of activation energy.