Thermochemical characterisation of Parinari polyandra Benth fruit shell

• Published in: Industrial crops and products Vol. 44; pp. 62 - 66
• Main Authors: Odetoye, T.E., Onifade, K.R., AbuBakar, M.S., Titiloye, J.O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2013
• Subjects: biofuels; Biomass; carbon; cellulose; Elemental composition; hemicellulose; lignin; Parinari; Parinari polyandra Benth; potassium; pyrolysis; Structural composition; TGA; thermogravimetry; Elemental composition; Parinari polyandra Benth; Biomass; Structural composition; TGA
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.10.013

► Thermochemical characteristics of Parinari polyandra Benth fruit shell was investigated. ► Measured calorific value obtained was 20.5MJ/kg. ► TGA and DTG profiles indicate viability for bio-oil production. ► Inorganic contents were relatively low, potassium most abundant element. ► Hemicelluloses and cellulose contents were indicative of relatively higher rate of pyrolysis. ► Parinari polyandra Benth fruit shell thermochemical characteristics were comparable with established biomass utilised for bio-oil production. The aim of this work is to investigate the thermochemical characteristics of Parinari polyandra Benth fruit shell. An agricultural waste residue is investigated using standard methods including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proximate and ultimate analysis, structural composition and bomb calorimeter. The proximate and ultimate analyses were carried out to determine the ash and fixed carbon contents, volatile matter, and elemental compositions. The structural composition analysis determined the hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin content of the biomass. The measured calorific value obtained was 20.5MJ/kg. The TGA and DTG profiles indicate the waste fruit shells are viable for pyrolysis reaction. The inorganic contents are relatively low with potassium found to be the most abundant element. The hemicelluloses and cellulose contents are indicative of relatively higher rate of pyrolysis and comparable with established biomass utilised for bio-oil production.