Characterization of the liquid fractions from textile sludge pyrolysis and their application as defoamers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the defoamer capacity of bio-oils obtained from textile sludge pyrolysis. The pyrolysis was carried out at two temperatures: 310 and 500 8C, and the bio-oils were analyzed after 7 days and after 2 months of storage under refrigeration. The structure of the bio-oils was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the extraction of polar compounds by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. According to the chromatography and FTIR results, aromatic hydrocarbons, amines, silicone, and organic sulphur compounds were present in the pyrolysis oils. The Bikerman test showed that 1 mL of bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis at 500 8C can break down a column of foam in less than 1 min, which is comparable to the results of commercial antifoams. According to these results, these oils can be used as defoamers, even at the textile plant itself.