Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Pyrolysis of Coconut Wood Residue

Abstract

Physico-chemical properties, kinetics and thermodynamic analysis of biomass are important in designing an efficient pyrolysis process. The current study aims to investigate the physico-chemical behaviour, calorific value and kinetics of thermal decomposition of coconut wood (Cocos nucifera) at 10, 15, and 25 ºC/min using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique in nitrogen atmospheres. Kinetic parameters were estimated using the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Staring, Tang, Friedman and Coats-Redfern (CR) methods. Average activation energy estimated from Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Starink, Tang and Coats-Redfern (CR) methods was ≈ 100 kJ/mol. The Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) method predicted a higher value of 104 kJ/mol and Friedman a lower value of 81 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters like change in enthalpy, Gibbs free energy and entropy have also been evaluated.