Estimating Combustion Kinetics of UAE Date Palm tree Biomass using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Abstract

Palm tree consists of different parts among which are the leaflet, rachis and fibers. All these parts constitute lignocellulose biomass components capable of producing value added end products.

A kinetic study of thermal decomposition of UAE date palm tree of phoenix dicteylifera species was carried out using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) at heating rates 10 ^oC/min, 15 ^oC/min and 20 ^oC/min. Most of the lignocellulose material decomposed between 300 ^oC and 650 ^oC at each heating rate. The rachis decomposed in three phases while the leaflet and fibers decomposed in two phases. The apparent activation energies increased from 54 to 476 kJ/mol, 55 to 458 kJ/mol and 84 to 329 kJ/mol for leaflet, rachis and fibers, respectively for conversion ranging from 10-% to 80-%. Results from this study are fundamental in optimizing operational conditions of a reactor for production of furfural, levulunic acid, dihydroeugenol, DHE and 2,6-dimethoxy-4-propyl phenol, DMPP as high value chemicals.

Key words: UAE Palm tree biomass, Thermogravimetric analysis, Combustion kinetics, Activation energy