Thermochemical Characterization of Cycas Circinalis Seed Shell to Evaluate their Potential as Biofuel Source

Abstract

Increased environmental pollution anxieties and quest for high energy demand from renewable energy sources forced to use lignocellulosic biomass to produce Bio-fuels. Cycas circinalis seed shell is a plant-derived bio-waste readily available in the southern coastal part of India. This research aims to explore the thermochemical characteristic of Cycas circinalis seed shells. Substantial volume reduction of feedstock and low processing time makes the thermal conversion route more attractive than any other method of waste to energy conversion. Biomass degradation behavior is studied by Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG); this depicts biomass degradation in three primary stages, each corresponding to the decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin components. Functional groups were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The obtained calorific value of biomass was found to be 16.17 MJ/Kg. Proximity analysis results showed the percentage of moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon as7.95%,77.35%,2.05%,12.65%respectively. The ultimate analysis determines the composition of significant elements present in Cycas ciricinails. Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen are found to be 45.54%, 6.5 %, and 47.16 %, respectively. Sulfur and nitrogen component values were observed to be lower, which is also a promising result in view of environmental concerns.