PYROLYSIS OF BIOMASS FROM SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PLANTATIONS: EFFECT OF MINERAL MATTER REDUCTION ON KINETICS AND CHARCOAL PORE STRUCTURE

J. GONZALEZ; M. KIM; E. BUONOMO; P. BONELLI; A. L. CUKIERMAN

ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Lugar: PHILADELPHIA, USA; Año: 2008 vol. 30 p. 809 - 817

1556-7036

The effect of reducing mineral matter naturally present in sawdust from untreated poplar (Populus deltoide) wood and giant reed (Arundo donax) canes on pyrolysis kinetics was examined from comparative non-isothermal thermogravimetric measurements in the range 20–900 C, using raw and previously demineralized samples. Estimated kinetic parameters reflect changes caused by demineralization, especially in the low temperature range (up to  450 C), likely due to catalytic effects of the minerals. Pyrolysis of the demineralized biomasses also induced an enhanced development in pore structure of the resulting charcoal, favoring its potential use in adsorption applications and/or as an improved intermediate product for further conversion into activated carbons.