Pyrolysis Study of Various Biomass Feedstocks Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

With the increasing population, urbanization, and industrial growth, the demand for energy is increasing worldwide day by day. Biomass energy is a viable option to meet this energy crisis if utilized properly and strategically. The present study deals with the pyrolysis analysis of three biomasses, viz. elephant grass, Mesua assamica, and sawdust using thermogravimetric analysis to understand the thermal degradation behavior of these feedstocks. From the analyses, it is observed that Mesua assamica has the highest volatile content as well as calorific value compared to the other two biomasses. The thermogravimetric analysis of the feedstocks is studied at a heating rate of 10 °C/min in the temperature range of room to 800 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass can be divided into three stages. Stage I is characterized by the removal of low intracellular water present in the biomass at temperatures of 30–200 °C. Thermal degradation in Stage II takes place between 200 and 400 °C, which essentially signifies the loss of cellulose and hemicellulose content of the biomass sample. Stage-III of decomposition occurs in the temperature range of 400–800 °C and is characterized by lignin degradation. Most degradation occurs in the third stage of decomposition and the chemical reaction occurring in this stage is fast compared to the other two stages. For all the biomasses, the maximum decomposition (76%) occurs in the temperature range of 200–400 °C. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of biomass characteristics, facilitating the optimization of biomass energy production and highlighting potential alternatives to fossil fuels.