Comprehensive thermokinetic modelling and predictions of cellulose decomposition in isothermal, non-isothermal, and stepwise heating modes

Ahmed I. Osman*, Samer Fawzy, Charlie Farrell, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb*, John Harrison, Suhaib Al-Mawali, David W. Rooney

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The increasing significance of biomass in attaining ultimate sustainability in a multitude of vectors demands a deeper understanding of its underlying components. The pyrolytic breakdown of cellulose, a major biomass component, has been a subject of intense research since the 1950 s, and despite significant research carried out and published thus far, the kinetics of cellulose degradation continue to be a source of debate. Herein, this work investigates the pyrolytic degradation of cellulose using Advanced Kinetics and Technology Solutions (AKTS) software. Kinetic parameters were computed using three methods, Friedman's differential iso-conversional, FWO and ASTM-E698. The results indicate Ea values of 40–181, 68–166, and 152.1 kJ/mol, using Friedman's, FWO and ASTM-E698 methods, respectively. Based on the results obtained via Friedman's differential iso-conversional method, predictions under isothermal, non-isothermal and stepwise heating profiles are presented. The predictions revealed that rapid degradation takes place up to 80% conversion, and a temperature of 350–400 °C is required to efficiently achieve this, while temperatures of 650 °C and higher are needed to efficiently achieve a 100% conversion in less than 2 h, under isothermal conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105427
JournalJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis
Volume161
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • Cellulose
  • Kinetic modelling
  • Pyrolysis
  • Thermokinetic predictions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Fuel Technology

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