Open AccessTorrefaction of biomass macroalga Ulva intestinalis using TGA
Author(s) -
M. F. M. Mokhtar,
Nur Farizan Munajat
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/268/1/012004
Subject(s) - torrefaction , biomass (ecology) , thermogravimetric analysis , carbon fibers , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , chemistry , pulp and paper industry , materials science , pyrolysis , chemical engineering , agronomy , organic chemistry , biology , composite number , composite material , engineering
The torrefaction of Malaysian marine biomass specie called Ulva intestinalis was studied using thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). The torrefaction temperature and residence time were varied in the range of 200 – 300 °C and 30 – 90 minutes, respectively. The chemical functional groups in the torrefied U. intestinalis were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). TGA results showed that the torrefaction temperature has a greater influence on the weight loss and changes in the U. intestinalis ’s properties after the torrefaction as compared to the torrefaction time. The increased in fixed carbon (FC), and carbon (C) content and decreased in volatile matter (VM), moisture content (MC) and oxygen (O) with the severity of torrefaction reflects the improvement of calorific values for the torrefied U. intestinalis . Analysis of the FTIR showed that the torrefaction decreased the spectra intensity of the main functional groups (O-H, C=C, C-O and C-H) as a consequence of structural alteration within the biomass. The present findings may provide useful information for the development of industrial torrefaction processes to turn U. intestinalis into a carbon enrichment solid fuel.