Kinetic Investigation on Thermal Degradation of Empty Oil Palm Bunches Pyrolysis

Abstract

Empty oil palm bunches, a byproduct of the palm oil industry, are typically returned to plantations as mulch but represent a valuable renewable energy source. Through pyrolysis, these biomass residues can be converted into useful chemicals and energy. Before pyrolysis, the raw materials were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Pyrolysis experiments were conducted on samples of 30, 60, and 80 mesh at temperatures of 350 °C, 450 °C, and 550 °C. TGA revealed a significant degradation peak at 301 °C, with kinetic analysis indicating a first-order reaction. Mineral analysis identified potassium as dominant, and SEM-EDX revealed a porous, fibrous structure in the bunches and the mineral with the highest content is potassium. The highest liquid yield of 38.76%, was achieved from the 80-mesh sample at 350 °C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the liquid fraction identified Vinyl methyl ether as the predominant compound, accounting for 96.81% of the composition.