Influence of kinetic parameters on Calotropis procera by TGA under pyrolytic conditions

Calotropis procera is a weed plant found profusely in waste lands that bears latex which is a rich source of liquid hydrocarbons. In this work, proximate and elemental composition of C. procera stem and whole plant were determined. The pyrolysis behavior was measured in an inert atmosphere at various heating rates of 5, 10, 20 and 30?C/min using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic analysis was carried out on Direct Arrhenius method and the kinetic parameters were determined. The higher heating value of the stem and whole plant was 18.98 and 21.85?MJ/kg, respectively. Both biomass presented high volatile matter and low ash, content. The nitrogen and sulfur contents of the biomass were very low. The maximum rate of mass loss is directly proportional to heating rate. FTIR spectra of bio mass samples showed the presence of alcohols, esters and phenol groups. The results of the properties and thermogravimetric analysis showed that C. procera stem and whole plant are potential feedstock for pyrolysis reactions.

Automated summary

Calotropis procera is a weed plant that is abundant in waste lands and contains latex rich in liquid hydrocarbons. This study found that the stem and whole plant of Calotropis procera have the potential to be used as feedstock for pyrolysis reactions. The biomass has high volatile matter and low ash content, with very low nitrogen and sulfur content.