Comparison Study of Rubber Seed Shell and Kernel (Hevea brasiliensis) as Raw Material for Bio-Oil Production

The present study focuses on characterization of two biomass samples namely rubber seed shell (RSS) and rubber seed kernel (RSK), as raw materials for the production of biofuel. The biomass samples were collected from Kedah, Malaysia and examined for their physical and chemical characteristics as well as to determine proximate compositions, extractives, holocellulose and hemicelluloses content, elemental properties, calorific value, oil yield and pyrolysis. Among the two samples, RSK shows high carbon (64.5 wt%) and volatile matter (92.4 wt%) content. The calorific values of all the biomasses were found within the range of 23 MJ/kg to 27 MJ/kg. This study also supports the production of biofuel from rubber seed as a viable alternative to other conventional fuel. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.