Coking occurs primarily due to the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons at high temperatures. When hydrocarbons are exposed to elevated temperatures in the presence of a catalyst, they can undergo dehydrogenation, polymerization, and condensation reactions. These reactions lead to the formation of heavy hydrocarbons, which eventually deposit as carbonaceous material on the catalyst surface. Factors such as feedstock composition, reaction conditions, and catalyst properties influence the extent of coking.
