Pyrolytic Products from Oil Palm Biomass and Its Potential Applications

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as a sustainable feedstock for the production of renewable energy and bio-products. Various technologies including biochemical and thermochemical have been developed and applied for the conversion of the oil palm biomass. Thermochemical processes (i.e., combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction) could be the more economically feasible option to convert the lignocellulosic biomass quickly with lower cost compared to biochemical process due to high recalcitrant level of lignocellulosic biomass toward microbial degradation. Pyrolysis is one of the predominant technologies for lignocellulosic biomass conversion into valuable end products. This chapter provides an overview on the palm oil industry, oil palm biomass and current management scenario, pyrolysis process, parameters that influence the pyrolysis process, and the effect of these parameters on the pyrolysis product yield. The potential applications of pyrolytic products from oil palm biomass were also comprehensively addressed.