Thermal Properties of Biomass

The production of high-quality renewable energy in substantial quantities from biomass is a critical challenge of our times, with the goal of partially replacing fossil fuels and achieving a complete transition in the future. Biomass, as an abundant raw material, possesses significant energy potential that has been explored through the use of physical-chemical models, enabling the evaluation of its thermal properties. In this context, thermal analysis plays a crucial role in characterizing various types of biomass. When structuring this chapter, the intention was to provide foundational examples that illustrate the application of thermal analysis in understanding physicochemical phenomena crucial for characterizing the thermal properties of biomass, particularly of plant origin. The chapter will specifically investigate the physical-chemical process of biomass decomposition, focusing on the products obtained, energetic aspects, and the determination of kinetic parameters. Therefore, the references used in preparing this chapter predominantly emphasize the aforementioned aspects, particularly for lignocellulosic materials and their derivatives.