Cellulose–hemicellulose and cellulose–lignin interactions in wood pyrolysis at gasification temperature

Abstract

Cellulose–hemicellulose and cellulose–lignin interactions during pyrolysis at gasification temperature (800 °C) were investigated with various cellulose samples mixed with hemicellulose (glucomannan or xylan) or milled wood lignin. Significant interactions were observed in cellulose–lignin pyrolysis; lignin inhibited the thermal polymerization of levoglucosan formed from cellulose and enhanced the formation of the low molecular weight products from cellulose with reduced yield of char fraction; cellulose reduced the secondary char formation from lignin and enhanced the formation of some lignin-derived products including guaiacol, 4-methyl-guaiacol and 4-vinyl-guaiacol. Comparatively weak interactions were also observed in cellulose–hemicellulose pyrolysis. Finally, factors influencing the wood pyrolysis at gasification temperature are discussed.