Determination of reaction kinetics of straw and stalk of rapeseed using thermogravimetric analysis

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) te chniques were used to investigate the kinetics of thermochemical conversion of an agricultural residue, namely the straw and stalk of rapeseed plants. The thermal degradation characteristics and the kinetic parameters (order of reaction, activation energy, and pre-exponential factor) were determined using the TGA and DTA curves. Thermogravimetric analyses were performed at heating rates of 25, 50, and 100 degreesC min(-1) in an inert (nitrogen) a tmosphere. DTA was performed at heating rates of 10, 30, and 50 degreesC mi n(-1) in a nitrogen atmosphere. Total degradation (%) and kinetic parameter s were determined for the active zone where almost all of the thermal decom position occurred.