Optimization of processing parameters for graphitization of oil palm trunk waste at lower heating temperature

Abstract

Previously synthetic graphite was produced at higher temperature which is around 2,500 °C in complex processing method. The method bear the name of the scientist whose discover the synthetic graphite namely "Acheson Process". However, via pyrolysis process, in controlled heating condition, and specific heating rate by utilizing oil palm trunk waste, synthetic graphite was managed to produce at much lower heating temperature. In this research, the heating temperature were varied in the range of 500 °C, 800 °C, and 1,000 °C. The heating rate applied also varied, from 5 °/min to 10 °/min and 20 °/min. After heating treatment, the samples were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and analysed by X'Pert Highscore Plus software. Graphitic nature of the synthetic graphite produced was further supported by RAMAN analysis. The morphological study was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on the analysis, optimum processing parameters was optimized. It is at the temperature of 800 °C and at the heating rate of 20 °/min.