Determination of kinetic parameters of thermal degradation of palm oil mill by-products using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry

Empty fruit bunches (EFB), fiber, and shell are the main solid residues produced during extraction of oil from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses of these materials were carried out on samples as received and after solvent extraction. Presence of extractives and ash had a strong effect on the thermal behavior of EFB. Observed thermal degradation behavior was described using two analytical approaches. The first approach considered that biomass thermal degradation occurs in three consecutive steps, while the second approach used three independent reactions as the model. The shapes of the TG and DSC curves were used to identify the degradation steps. The thermal degradation activation energy (E) and pre-exponential factor (A) obtained by both approaches were very similar.