Thermal degradation behaviour, kinetics, and thermodynamics of Bombax Malabarica seeds through TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS analysis

Abstract

The pyrolysis process kinetics, thermodynamics, and product analysis of Simal cotton (Bombax Malabarica) seeds, a non-edible biomass feedstock were performed to evaluate its suitability as an alternative renewable energy source. The active pyrolysis region of 220 to 600 °C was perceived with peak temperatures between 338.1 and 362.4 °C using TG analysis. The degradation of hemicellulose was observed at temperatures <300 °C and cellulose in the range of 300–400 °C. The effect of heating rate on the composition of evolved mixed gases and functional groups was evaluated using the TG-FTIR. The evolved typical gaseous products include H2O, CO, CO2, CH4, C = O, CO, HCN, and NH3. The order of the volatile pyrolysis products: acids > phenols > amines > aliphatics > alcohols > furans > aldehydes > nitriles > ketones > esters was determined using Py-GC/MS for higher selectivity of value-added products. The mean values of Ea, ΔH, ΔG, and ln(A) of feedstock were in the range of 181.1–193.8, 176.1–188.7, 180.6–190.1 kJ mol−1, and 27.1–34.1 min−1, respectively. The above experimental data could be used to design a process for bio-oil and bioenergy production from the seed.