Structural analysis of bio-oils from pyrolysis and steam pyrolysis of cottonseed cake

Structural analysis and the effect of the water vapour on the structure of the products obtained by low temperature thermal destruction of biomass at atmospheric pressure has been investigated. The liquid products were fractionated into pentane solubles and insolubles (Asphaltenes). Pentane solubles were then solvent fractionated into pentane, toluene, ether and methanol subfractions by fractionated column chromatograpy. The aliphatic subfractions of the oils were then analysed by capillary column gas-liquid chromatography and GC/MS. For further structural analysis, the pyrolysis oils and aromatic and polar subfractions were conducted using FTIR and H-1-NMR spectra. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.