Insights into the thermal stability properties of two hardwoods from the Amazon rainforest
摘要
This study examines the thermal decomposition behavior of Hymenolobium excelsum Duke and Cordia alliodora Ruiz Pav using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Samples were extracted from logs with a 35 cm thickness at the diameter at breast height (DBH). Species identification was conducted using optical microscopy. The DSC experiments were carried out under both air and argon atmospheres at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The thermal profiles of both species revealed an endothermic peak, indicating moisture loss along with the volatilization of extractives and mineral content in the range of room temperature to 250 °C. Multiple exothermic peaks corresponding to the sequential degradation of hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin were observed at elevated temperatures. Characteristic peak temperatures and enthalpies were determined for each degradation stage. A kinetic analysis employing 25 models was performed using the modified Freeman-Carroll and Achar methods, in conjunction with the Arrhenius equation, to evaluate activation energies and reaction orders. The Ginstling-Brounshtein diffusion mechanism (D5) provided the best description of the endothermic event, whereas the polymer degradation phases exhibited competitive behaviors between the Avrami-Erofeev mechanism and an interface-controlled reaction. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy revealed two prominent absorption bands around 1000 cm−1 and 3500 cm−1, corresponding to symmetric C–O–C and O–H stretching vibrations, respectively.