Pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea and Pongamia glabra seed cover: Characterization of bio-oil and its sub-fractions

In the present study, pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea seed cover (MFSC) and Pongamia glabra seed cover (PGSC) was performed to investigate the characteristics of bio-oil and its sub fractions. In a fixed bed reactor, the effect of temperature (range of 350-650 degrees C) on product yield and quality of solid product were monitored. The maximum bio-oil yield of 28.5 wt.% and 29.6 wt.% for PGSC and MFSC respectively was obtained at 550 degrees C at heating rate of 40 degrees C/min. The chemical composition of bio-oil and its sub fractions were investigated using FTIR and H-1 NMR. GC-MS was performed for both PGSC and MFSC bio-oils and their corresponding n-hexane fractions. The results showed that bio-oil from the feedstocks and its subfractions might be a potential source of renewable fuel and value added chemicals. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.