Thermogravimetric, Devolatilization Rate, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analyses of Biomass of Tropical Plantation Species of Costa Rica Torrefied at Different Temperatures and Times

Abstract

We evaluated the thermogravimetric and devolatilization rates of hemicellulose and cellulose, and the calorimetric behavior of the torrefied biomass, of five tropical woody species (Cupressus lusitanica, Dipteryx panamensis, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Vochysia ferruginea), at three temperatures (T T ) and three torrefaction times (t T ) using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Through a multivariate analysis of principal components (MAPC), the most appropriate torrefaction conditions for the different types of woody biomass were identified. The thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG) analysis showed that a higher percentage of the hemicellulose component of the biomass degrades, followed by cellulose, so that the hemicellulose energy of activation (Ea) was less than that of cellulose. With an increase in T T and t T , the Ea for hemicellulose decreased but increased for cellulose. The calorimetric analyses showed that hemicellulose is the least stable component in the torrefied biomass under severe torrefaction conditions, and cellulose is more thermally stable in torrefied biomass. From the MAPC results, the best torrefaction conditions for calorimetric analyses were at 200 and 225 • C after 8, 10, and 12 min, for light and middle torrefaction, respectively, for the five woody species.

The Influence of Torrefaction Temperature on Hydrophobic Properties of Waste Biomass from Food Processing

“…Biomass can be used in several other ways, such as combustion or co-combustion. However, direct use of fresh and unprocessed biomass is difficult in transport and storage, despite its friendly nature [7]. Raw biomass from food processing is characterized by high moisture content, low bulk density, low heating value, and heterogeneous structure [8][9][10].…”

“…Raw biomass has a tendency to quickly decompose. Moreover, fresh biomass storage creates favorable conditions for the growth of microorganisms and the rotting of the material [7]. In order to valorize the waste biomass and to eliminate these properties causing problems during transport and storage, three types of processing of fresh biomass are in use [11]: mechanical treatment, thermal treatment, and chemical treatment ( Figure 1).…”

Energy potential of wood waste from a tropical urban forest

“…Between 230 and 330°C occurs hemicellulose degradation; followed by cellulose between 305 and 380°C; and lignin starts to decompose between temperatures of 400 and 500°C (Arias et al, 2008;Gaitán-Álvarez et al, 2018). The second peak temperature varied between 364 and 373 °C, where Tipuana tipu wood presented the lowest one.…”

BioEnergy and BioChemicals Production from Biomass and Residual Resources

“…Gaitán-Álvarez et al [13] studied the thermogravimetric and devolatilization rates of hemicellulose and cellulose from five tropical woody species using three torrefaction temperatures and three torrefaction times. The calorimetric behavior of the torrefied biomass was demonstrated.…”