Combustion characteristics and kinetic parameter estimation of Lantana camara by thermogravimetric analysis

Lantana camara has the potential to be used as a feedstock for thermochemical conversion processes such as pyrolysis and gasification for heating, cooking purposes and to generate electricity. This study deals with the thermal degradation characteristics of L. camara and the estimation of kinetic parameters namely activation energy and frequency factor. The proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and heating values of L. camara wood were also studied. The experiments were conducted in a thermogravimetric analyzer from 30-670 degrees C in the atmosphere of air at different heating rates, namely 5, 10, 25 and 50 degrees C min(-1). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA) curves indicated that the combustion of L. camara wood exhibited three distinct zones: removal of moisture, combustion of light volatiles and oxidation of char. The effect of heating rate on the combustion process was examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated using different model free methods such as Kissinger, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Friedman. The activation energy was calculated using the model free methods and the mean values were 105.83, 193.6, 184 and 197.8 kJ/mol.