Thermal Analysis and Kinetic Study of Indian Almond Leaf by Model-Free Methods

Thermogravimetric analysis of Indian almond leaf was carried out at four different heating rates such as 5 degrees C/min, 10 degrees C/min, 15 degrees C/min and 20 degrees C/min. The kinetic study was performed using model free methods and the kinetic parameters were calculated by Kissinger, Friedman, KAS and FWO models. Thermogravimetric analysis resulted that the Indian almond leaf showed four stages of decomposition. Most of the mass loss occurred at stage II (188-460 degrees C) owing to the simultaneous decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The shifting of pyrolysis curve occurred with increase of heating rate due to the limitation of heat transfer. The rate of mass loss decreased while increasing the heating rate due to the presence of more inert content i.e. ash and less volatile matters. The mean activation energy calculated by Kissinger, Friedman, KAS, and FWO showed as 52.67, 45.53, 73.73, and 72.28 kJ/mole. The mean activation energy of different leaves reported by earlier researcher was compared with the activation energy of Indian almond leaf and concluded that it stick to the range of activation energy of reported leaves.