The thermal decomposition of lignocellulosic biomass materials and the
ir major components is discussed. Thermogravimetric and DSC curves at
different T(t) heating programs were evaluated by the method of least
squares. Pseudo-first order models, parallel, successive and competiti
ve reaction schemes and complex reaction networks were employed in the
modeling. The following topics are treated: thermal decomposition of
cellulose at low (2 degrees C min(-1)) and high (50-80 degrees C min(-
1)) heating rates; low temperature phenomena; the validity of the Broi
do-Shafizadeh model; effects of mineral catalysts; cellulose pyrolysis
in closed sample holders; thermal decomposition kinetics of xylan, li
gnin and lignocellulosic plant samples. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.