ENTHALPY OF COMBUSTION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE.

Abstract

A test substance with characteristics and properties similar to those of cellulose-based solid waste products is needed to calibrate calorimeters and combustors which will be routinely burning these materials to determine their calorific values precisely for use in commerce. Microcrystalline cellulose was found to be a good calibrant for this purpose. The enthalpy of combustion of microcrystalline cellulose DELTA H//c degree at (25 degree C), and its estimated uncertainty, was determined to be minus 2812. 401 plus or minus 1. 725 kJ/mol based upon the sample mass. A calculated heat of wetting correction of 1. 514 kJ/mol was applied to the combustion data.