Combustion of cellulosic materials

Shafizadeh, F. (1968). Pyrolysis and combustion of cellulose materials. Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. 23 419, 474. 

Application of difiFerential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis techniques to the pyrolysis of cellulose is obviously complicated by the complexity of the reactions involved, and the corrections and simplifying assumptions that are required in calculating the kinetic parameters. Consequently, these methods provide general information, instead of accurate identification and definition of the individual reactions (and their kinetics), which are traditionally conducted under isothermal conditions. The data obtained by dynamic methods are, however, useful for comparing the efiFects of various conditions or treatments on the pyrolysis of cellulose. In this respect, the application of thermal analysis for investigating the effect of salts (and flame retardants in general) on the combustion of cellulosic materials is of special interest and will be discussed later (see p. 467). 

The former variables affect the deposition of heat in the solid fuel and its transient temperature-profile, as well as the diffusion of the volatile pyrolysis products and their distribution and mixing with the surrounding atmosphere. The latter factors influence the nature and sequence of the primary and secondary reactions involved, the composition of the flammable volatiles, and, ultimately, the kinetics of the combustion. Consequently, basic study of the combustion of cellulosic materials or fire research has been channeled in these two directions. 

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