article · Industrial Crops and Products
This research investigated the pyrolysis characteristics of *Chamaerops humilis* fibres (ChFs) to assess their potential as a sustainable biofuel source. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed in a nitrogen atmosphere across a temperature range of 20 to 800 °C, using heating rates of 30, 40, and 50 °C per minute. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was also used to analyse the raw biomass. The study applied the Coats-Redfern method to test 36 kinetic models, identifying random nucleation with subsequent growth as the best fit. Key findings included activation energies ranging from 218.87 to 252.73 kJ/mol, increasing with higher heating rates. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that ChF pyrolysis is an endothermic and non-spontaneous process, supporting its use as a renewable biofuel feedstock.
Understanding how biomass breaks down into fuel is crucial for developing efficient renewable energy systems. This research provides detailed insights into using a specific plant waste, *Chamaerops humilis* fibres, as a sustainable source for biofuels, contributing to waste reduction and cleaner energy production.
This early-stage research provides fundamental kinetic and thermodynamic data essential for optimising thermochemical conversion processes. It could inform the design and development of industrial pyrolysis reactors for converting *Chamaerops humilis* waste into biofuels. Potential users include bioenergy companies and process engineers seeking sustainable feedstock options and improved process efficiency.
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Biomass has become a promising renewable energy source, driven by the decreasing supply of fossil fuels and ongoing environmental problems related to their use. Understanding biomass pyrolysis characteristics is essential, as it offers valuable insights and guidance for developing and improving the pyrolysis process. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in a nitrogen atmosphere was conducted to examine the pyrolysis features and kinetic parameters of Chamaerops humilis fibers ( Ch Fs). The temperature range was from 20 to 800 °C, with heating rates ( β ) of 30, 40, and 50 °C·min⁻¹ . The kinetic and thermodynamic properties, chemical reactions, and thermal degradation behaviors of Ch Fs were studied using TGA and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which was applied to analyze the functional groups in the raw biomass before pyrolysis. Thirty-six kinetic models for four key solid-phase reaction steps were tested using the Coats-Redfern method. The reaction model's pre-exponential factor ( A ), ranging from 7.46 to 7.64 for all heating rates, was identified as the best fit, assuming random nucleation and its subsequent growth g(α)= \[−ln(1 −α) ⁴]. Activation energy ( E a ) values of 218.87, 230.49, and 252.73 kJ·mol⁻¹ were obtained at 30, 40, and 50 °C·min⁻¹ , respectively. These kinetic parameters were used to calculate thermodynamic properties, including the enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS). The thermodynamic data suggest that Ch F's pyrolysis is an endothermic process that lacks spontaneity. • Pyrolysis of Chamaerops humilis fibers studied using TGA at 30, 40, and 50 °C/min. • Activation energy (Ea) ranged from 218.87 to 252.73 kJ/mol, increasing with heating rate. • Coats-Redfern method identified random nucleation with subsequent growth (g(α) = [-ln(1-α)] ⁴) as best reaction model. • Thermodynamic parameters showed ΔH > 0 (endothermic), ΔG > 0 (non-spontaneous), and ΔS, indicating decreased system disorder during pyrolysis. • Finding support using Ch F's waste as a sustainable, renewable biofuel feedstock.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.122011
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