An Experimental Investigation of Transient Plastic Phase Biochar: Reactor Conditions and Biochar Properties
Date
2023
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Abstract
This research focuses on the production and characterization of biochar and the formation of a transient plastic phase (TPP). With the growing depletion of fossil fuels, biochar holds potential as a substitute for common commercial fossil charcoals. Biochar is used as a soil amendment, fuel source, and metal oxide reductant in addition to various other applications. For many years, methods of pyrolysis were improved to be more efficient and controlled in the production of biochar. Under sufficient pyrolytic conditions, biochar can achieve TPP formation, a morphological change in which the parent woody biomass appears to undergo a melting phase. The results of this study showed that TPP formation relies on sufficient reactor temperature and pressure and the biomass moisture content. Acetic acid did not affect the formation of TPP. Conditions (12.07 MPa, 320-370°C, 20% nominal moisture content) that readily form TPP from birch were not sufficient to produce TPP from spruce. There were minimal differences in the fixed carbon yields and ultimate tensile strengths between TPP and non-TPP biochars under similar reaction conditions. Reaction conditions that led to improved ultimate tensile strength sacrificed the fixed carbon yield. Lastly, spruce biochar formed under non-TPP conditions at a torrefaction temperature of 230°C and a nominal moisture content of 113.85% exhibited the highest pellet tensile strength (4.3640±0.5012 MPa).
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Mechanical engineering, biochar, fixed carbon, pyrolysis, transient plastic phase, ultimate tensile strength
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132 pages
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