Influence of kinetic parameters on Calotropis procera by TGA under pyrolytic conditions

ABSTRACT

Calotropis procera is a weed plant found profusely in waste lands that bears latex which is a rich source of liquid hydrocarbons. In this work, proximate and elemental composition of C. procera stem and whole plant were determined. The pyrolysis behavior was measured in an inert atmosphere at various heating rates of 5, 10, 20 and 30°C/min using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic analysis was carried out on Direct Arrhenius method and the kinetic parameters were determined. The higher heating value of the stem and whole plant was 18.98 and 21.85 MJ/kg, respectively. Both biomass presented high volatile matter and low ash, content. The nitrogen and sulfur contents of the biomass were very low. The maximum rate of mass loss is directly proportional to heating rate. FTIR spectra of bio mass samples showed the presence of alcohols, esters and phenol groups. The results of the properties and thermogravimetric analysis showed that C. procera stem and whole plant are potential feedstock for pyrolysis reactions.

KEYWORDS:

• Calotropis procera
• pyrolysis
• thermogravimetric analysis
• kinetic analysis
• FTIR

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Radhaboy G

Radhaboy G is a research scholar doing her research under the guidance of Dr.M.Pughazvadivu in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry, India. which is affiliated with Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India. She has more than 9 years of teaching experience in various Pondicherry affiliated colleges. She completed both her under graduation (Mechanical Engineering) and post graduation (Energy Technology) in the Pondicherry Engineering College. Her area of research is the Alternate fuels. She has published more than 5 research papers in peer reviewed Journals and conferences.

M. Pugazhvadivu

M. Pugazhvadivu is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry, India. which is affiliated with Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India. She has more than 10 years of experience in research and teaching. She has guided 10 PhD research scholars. Her area of research is the production and application of Alternate fuels. She has published more than 30 research papers in peer reviewed Journals and conferences.

P. Ganeshan

Dr. P. Ganeshan is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Sethu Institute of Technology, Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu, India. which is affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, India. He has more than 11 years of experience in research, teaching and industry. His area of research is the use of the composite materials in various application. He has published 32 research papers in peer reviewed Journals and conferences.

K. Raja

Dr. K. Raja is working as Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Anna University-Dindigul Campus, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. He has more than 18 years of experience in research, teaching and industry. His areas of research are Composite Materials and Manufacturing Engineering. He has guided 12 PhD research scolars.  He has published 105 research articles in peer reviewed Journals and conference.