*3.5. Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA)*

It can be seen in Figure 8a that decomposition of the pure filter is gradual with the total weight loss of approximately 10 wt.%. Analysis of released gasses during decomposition showed presence of CO2 *m*/*z* = 44 and moisture *m*/*z* = 18 (Figure 8b, Table 2), where the first signal was present from approximately 200 to 600 ◦C, and second one from approximately 200 to 900 ◦C, respectively.

The results for petrol engine are shown in Figure 9. From the room temperature up to approximately 600 ◦C, exothermic combustion of the filter is visible (Figure 9a). This process is associated with ~8 wt.% mass loss and release of some organic compound/s (C2H2S or C2H5CHNH2 (*m*/*z* = 58) and water (Table 2)).

**Figure 8.** EGA results for the pure filter, where: (**a**) presents DSC-TG signals, and (**b**) shows QMS registered signals.


**Table 2.** Volatile ions released from filters identified by QMS during thermal analysis process.

On the other hand, the examination of the filter from the Diesel engine shows similar behavior (Figure 10), but different gasses emitted were registered. From the room temperature up to approximately 600 ◦C, strong exothermic event on the DSC curve is visible, followed by less intense exothermic peek in the range from 600 to 700 ◦C. In this temperature range, the biggest weight loss of the sample was registered (~11 wt.%). This weight loss very likely is observed due to emission and decomposition of organic compounds collected on the filter. There is also some moisture contribution, as well (Table 2).
