Effect of composite additives on microwave-assisted pyrolysis of microalgae

ABSTRACT

The effect of composite additives on the pyrolysis characteristics of microalgae (Dunaliella salina) was studied by microwave-assisted pyrolysis system. The composite additive was blended by SiC and CaO. The three cases, i.e. different kinds of additives (single additive and composite additive), different addition amounts (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of composite additives, and different blending ratios (SiC/CaO = 0:10, 3:7, 5:5, and 7:3) were investigated. The results show that when the composite additive was 15% and the blending ratio of SiC/CaO = 5:5, the average weight loss rate (R_v) and weight loss rate for the second peak (R_p2) were maximum, while the final time detected as weight stabilization (t_f) and the time corresponding to second peak (t_p2) were minimum. Besides, SiC and CaO had a synergistic effect in this experimental condition. When the additive was 7.5% SiC, the total weight loss (M_t) and the weight loss rate for the first peak (R_p1) were maximum and the time corresponding to first peak (t_p1) was minimum. The minimum R_v and M_t occurred at 7.5% CaO group.

KEYWORDS:

• Microwave-assisted pyrolysis
• Microalgae
• Dunaliella salina
• Composite additive
• Pyrolysis characteristics

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (2014GXNSFBA118252), Guangxi Scientific Research and Technology Development Project (Gui Kegong 1598008-17), and University scientific research key project of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Education Department (ZD2014008).

Conflict of Interest Statement

No parts of this article have been published or submitted elsewhere and there is no potential financial or other conflict of interest with other research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Guangxi Scientific Research and Technology Development Project [Gui Kegong 1598008-17],University scientific research key project of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Education Department [ZD2014008], and Guangxi Natural Science Foundation [2014GXNSFBA118252].

Notes on contributors

Chunxiang Chen

Chunxiang Chen, Ph.D, mainly engaged in research on biomass energy conversion and application, energy saving and emission reduction in power plants, etc.

Jun Tang

Jun Tang, M.S, mainly engaged in research on microwave pyrolysis characteristics and product analysis of microalgae.

Chenxu Guo

Chenxu Guo, M.S, mainly engaged in research on characteristic analysis of microwave catalytic pyrolysis of microalgae.

Haozhong Huang

Haozhong Huang, Ph.D, mainly engaged in research on biodiesel combustion and product analysis.