The conversion of a solvolysis lignin to useful chemicals and fuels was inv
estigated using HZSM-5 catalyst. The study was carried out in a fixed bed r
eactor operating at atmospheric pressure. over a temperature range of 500 d
egrees C-650 degrees C, and weight hourly space velocities of 2.5 to 7.5 h(
-1). The major objective was to investigate the use of HZSM-5 catalyst in t
he production of both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products directly from
the lignin. Conversion was high and ranged between 50% and 85% for the rea
ction conditions used. Using a WHSV of 5 h(-1), the liquid product (LP) yie
ld was 39 wt.% at 500 degrees C but decreased to 34 wt.% at 600 degrees C a
nd then to 11 wt.% at 650 degrees C. The highest yield of liquid product (4
3 wt.%) was obtained at 550 degrees C with a WHSV of 5 h(-1). In all the ex
periments, the liquid product mainly consisted of aromatic hydrocarbons (mo
stly benzene, toluene and xylene - with toluene dominating). The yield of t
oluene increased from 31 wt.% of the liquid product at 600 degrees C (WHSV
= 2.5 h(-1)) to 44 wt.% at 650 degrees C (WHSV = 5 h(-1)). The total gas yi
eld increased dramatically with increasing temperature but only moderately
with increasing WHSV. The yields of the major components in the gas stream
(propane, ethylene, propylene, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide) were gre
atly affected by temperature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res
erved.