Interactions of biomass components during pyrolysis: A TG-FTIR study

The pyrolysis of synthetic biomass samples as three-component (viz. hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin) mixtures was investigated by using the technology of thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG-FTIR). The results reveal the occurrence of interactions among biomass components during pyrolysis, especially the influence of lignin to hemicellulose below 327 C and that of hemicellulose to cellulose above 327 degrees C. By analyzing the FTIR spectra carefully, it was found that the presence of lignin decreased the yield of 2-furaldehyde and C=O containing compounds. The existence of hemicellulose intensively decreased the yield of levoglucosan, and largely promoted the formation of hydroxyacetaldehyde. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.