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Thermal Behavior and Kinetic Parameters Estimation for Ulva intestinalis
Torrefaction using Thermogravimetric Analyzer
Raiha binti Ahmad Samawe
Supervisor: Dr Nur Farizan binti Munajat
Bachelor of Applied Science (Electronics and Instrumentation Physics)
School of Ocean Engineering
Macroalgae has been recognized as a potential biomass source but it is not fully utilized
as for its high moisture content. In this study, the thermal decomposition and kinetic
parameters of Ulva intestinalis torrefaction were conducted using Thermogravimetric
Analyzer (TGA). The torrefaction temperature and residence time were varied from
200 to 300°C and from 30 to 90 minutes, respectively with heating rate ranging from
10 to 30°C/min. The functional group of the torrefied U. intestinalis was investigated
using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The TGA curves indicated the
weight loss of the macroalgae increased as the residence time and temperature
increased. The FTIR results showed the functional groups changed as temperature
and time increased. The activation energies for the torrefaction were estimated by
Kissinger method to be in the range of 0.3575 to 48.4058kJ/mol. This result is
important to estimate the torrefaction process and the parameters for U. intestinalis
biomass.
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