Positive transformations in intrinsic bioconstituents due to briquetting of soybean crop residues

Thermogravimetric spectra of binderless briquettes and its raw material, soybean crop residues, were critically analyzed to ascertain the changes occurring in the intrinsic biopolymeric components such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin due to briquetting stresses. Transitions of thermogravimetric signals and activation energy levels were analyzed and discussed. The distinct and sharp signals related to the secondary charring process at the high temperature regime in thermogravimetry were noticed in briquettes as compared to these signals in raw residue. Integral isoconversional Friedman kinetics treatment was used to compute the conversion fraction dependent activation energies. Deconvolution analysis of differential thermograms was done to diagnose the internal thermogravimetric transformations. It established the lesser reactivity and better consolidation in case of briquetted biofuel. (C) 2015 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.