Model free kinetics analysis of Imperata cylindrica (Lalang)

Abstract

This study is the first attempt at investigating the solid state decomposition and the devolatilization kinetics of Imperata cylindrica (lalang) grass termed the “farmer’s nightmare weed” as a potential solid biofuel of the future. Biomass conversion technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification can be utilized for future green energy needs. However an important step in the efficient utilization and process optimizing of biomass conversion processes is understanding the thermal decomposition kinetics of the feedstock. Consequently, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of Imperata cylindrica was carried out in the temperature range of 30-1000 °C at four heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 K min-1 using Nitrogen at a flow rate of 20 L min-1 as purge gas. Using the TGA results, the kinetic parameters activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential frequency factor (ko) of the grass were estimated via the model free or isoconversional methods of Kissinger and Starink. The results obtained for Kissinger model were 151.36 kJ mol-1 and 5.83 × 109 min-1 for activation energy and pre-exponential frequency factor respectively. However, Starink model activation energy and pre-exponential frequency factor were a function of conversion (α) with average values of 159.93 kJ mol-1 and 6.33 × 1022 min-1 respectively.