Characterization of Rice Husk by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The analysis of products from rice husk under different decomposition temperatures was investigated by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compounds of molecular weight among 50-400amu in the reaction products were identified. The products were characterized as unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, carboxyolic acids, aromatics, phenols, and aldehydes/ketones. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature above 700 degrees C accelerated the generation of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The minimum concentrations of carboxylic acids and aldehydes/ketones appeared at 800 and 900 degrees C, respectively, while the maximum levels of carboxylic acids, phenols, and aldehydes/ketones were obtained at 700 degrees C. The lowest concentration of aromatics was also obtained at 700 degrees C. These results are expected to serve as reference values for research and industrial production of biological oils.