Abstract
There have been significant efforts to develop an understanding of thermal conversion of biomass materials for energy or downstream product development. Specifically, reports of the thermal effects of pyrolysis reactions have been found to vary widely from exothermic to endothermic under similar conditions. This paper will discuss current efforts underway to better understand the chemical species evolution setting the stage for clarifying the energy changes throughout sample decomposition. The primary driver is identifying component gases evolved providing critical insights into comprehending the reactions occurring. The physic-chemical changes are also quantified through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG). The results reveal a single DTG peak, denoting overlapping reaction sequences. The data obtained by thermal analysis alone does not provide complete information to draw mechanistic conclusions. Intra-particle gas analysis showed that CO2 is produced up to 10% concentration at 200°C, nearly coincidental with the evolution of CO, which reaches a maximum of 24% at 325°C. It was followed by release of H2 which reaches a maximum of 0.7% around 300°C. The release of these gases coincides with a commensurate mass loss of almost 70% between 225°C and 350°C.