Kinetics of the pyrolysis of lignin using thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry methods

The thermal behavior of a hardwood lignin found in Eastern Canada was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Kinetic parameters were determined for pyrolysis of lignin from room temperature to 300 at 15 degrees C-min(-1). The maximum rate of thermal destruction of lignin occurred between 246-259 degrees C. The DSC thermogram of lignin showed an endothermic peak at approximately 113 degrees C. The kinetic model was applied, and the activation energy for the lignin was calculated. The weight loss data showed first order decomposition with Arrhenius behavior. The activation energy value obtained for lignin was in the range of 8-68 kcal-mol(-1). The results showed that the kinetic model fitted the data well in the specific range of temperatures. The present model was also compared with the experimental data available in the literature, and the comparisons of E-a values are tabulated.