Abstract

Present paper deals with the thermochemical characterization of pine needles to assess its suitability as an energy feedstock. Proximate and ultimate analyses revealed that pine needles contain low moisture, ash, nitrogen, and sulfur content, as well as high fixed carbon and volatile matter content. The higher heating value (HHV) is determined as 19.22 MJ kg−1 using bomb calorimeter as well as the lower heating value (LHV) is 17.66 by using HHV value. The empirical formula of pine needle is found to be CH1.83O0.74N0.008 on the basis of ultimate analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra is developed to identify the basic functional groups in pine needles. Thermal degradation analysis has been done by using a thermogravimetric analyzer from 32 to 1000 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate 10 °C min−1. In addition, the thermal decomposition behavior of pine needles has been determined through TGA/DTG/DTA analysis. The chemical characteristics and thermal behavior show that pine needles have good energy potential for exploitation through pyrolysis.

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