Cellulose pyrolyzate, analysis

The objective of this research was to examine the effect of crystallinity, additives and data analysis technique on isothermally pyrolyzed cellulose. The Ea, activation enthalpy (AH+) and activation entropy (AS+) were determined from the mass loss rates. This data was used to develop an understanding of how cellulose pyrolysis is affected by crystallinity and additives and how the results obtained are dependent on the data analysis technique. 

In an effort to observe this proposed transfer of hydrogen, a mixture of cellulose (1), soybean oil, and an acid catalyst was pyrolyzed at 300°C using the procedure described by Morin.4 Analysis of the products showed no new significant products derived from the biomass but the yield of levoglucosenone (2), the major small organic compound produced under these conditions, was increased significantly. 

Using regression analysis to quantify the intrinsic cellulose, lignin, and ash fractions effects on a few products, MacKay and Roberts (1982) studied the pyrolytic behavior of 20 unmodified or native powdered Hgnocellulosic materials. Linear regression models for total mass and carbon yields of the products were developed, assuming each constituent fraction of the biomass was pyrolyzed independently. They concluded that char yield increased with substrate ca n content char yield from lignin content was found to be three times that of cellulose content. They did not study the gas nor tar composition in their experiments. In addition their particle sizes... 

Figure 13. GLC analysis of the pyrolyzate from cellulose + 2% H4PO4 at 3 °C. Key A, furfural B levoglucosenone C, l,4 -3fi-dianhydro-a-u-glucopyranose and D, 5 ydroxymethyl-2furaldehyde.

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