The Pyrolysis Characteristics and Kinetics of Jerusalem artichoke Stalk Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

The pyrolytic kinetics of Jerusalem artichoke stalk, cornstalk, and sawdust (the latter two served as control) were investigated using a thermogravimetric analysis method under an inert atmosphere at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, and 30 degrees C/min from 50 to 800 degrees C. For Jerusalem artichoke stalk, starting with the dehydration step between 30 and 150 degrees C, the main thermal decomposition process showed two distinct degradation zones, corresponding to the devolatilization step between 200 and 400 degrees C and the combustion step between 400 and 600 degrees C. Kinetic expressions for the degradation rate in devolatilization and combustion steps have been obtained for Jerusalem artichoke stalk with Popescu, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods. The results showed that the model agreed well with the experimental data and provided useful information for the design of a pyrolytic processing system using Jerusalem artichoke stalk as feedstock to produce bio-fuel.