Abstract: Dynamic kinetic analyses were performed for the thermal decomposition of basic zinc carbonate by means of TG and SDTA measurements in CO₂. The thermal behavior and the kinetics of the decomposition were studied. The effect of heating rate on the kinetics was investigated. To estimate the activation energy of the decomposition, the Friedman isoconversional method was applied. The activation energy (E_a) was calculated as a function of conversion (α). The results confirm that more than one reaction occurs in the decomposition of basic zinc carbonate. The activation energy obtained in CO₂ atmosphere is 286.84 kJ/mol.

Key words: basic zinc carbonate, decomposition kinetics, activation energy