PRODUCTION OF VALUE-ADDED BIOCHAR AND BIO-OIL FROM MICROWAVE CO2 PYROLYSIS OF MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD WASTE

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of using microwave CO2 pyrolysis to dispose of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) waste, a significant by-product of the furniture manufacturing industry. The primary goal is to transform MDF waste into valueadded biochar and bio-oil, exploring an alternative to conventional pyrolysis methods that typically use nitrogen (N2) as a purge gas. The research emphasises the potential benefits of CO2 utilisation in pyrolysis, both to enhance the quality of biochar and bio-oil and as a strategy for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This research reveals that conducting microwave pyrolysis in a CO2 atmosphere increases biochar (up to 44.8%) and bio-oil (up to 21.2%) yields over N2 pyrolysis. CO2 hinders volatile thermal cracking and aids in gas defragmentation and repolymerisation, with biochar yield rising with time and biooil peaking at an optimal duration. This study underscores microwave CO2 pyrolysis as a promising alternative for converting biomass waste into valuable products, potentially contributing to fuel utilisation. It also highlights the environmental benefits of this method, particularly in terms of CO2 utilisation, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. The findings provide a basis for future research in this area, focusing on optimising process parameters, exploring potential applications of bio-products, and assessing the economic and environmental viability of this innovative approach.