Kinetic modeling of biomass pyrolysis

The thermal decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass materials and their major components is discussed. Thermogravimetric and DSC curves at different T(t) heating programs were evaluated by the method of least squares. Pseudo-first order models, parallel, successive and competitive reaction schemes and complex reaction networks were employed in the modeling. The following topics are treated: thermal decomposition of cellulose at low (2 degrees C min(-1)) and high (50-80 degrees C min(-1)) heating rates; low temperature phenomena; the validity of the Broido-Shafizadeh model; effects of mineral catalysts; cellulose pyrolysis in closed sample holders; thermal decomposition kinetics of xylan, lignin and lignocellulosic plant samples. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.