Experimental and kinetic modeling study of para-xylene chemistry in laminar premixed flames

•Laminar burning velocities of para-xylene + air flames were determined using the heat flux method.•Temperature and mole fraction profiles of reactants, final products, and reactive and stable intermediate species have been measured in laminar premixed CH4/O2/N2 and CH4/1.5%C8H10/O2/N2 flames at low pressure.•Key reactions of aromatics degradation in CH4/O2/N2 flames were identified and discussed. Burning velocities of para-xylene + air flames were also reproduced by the kinetic model.