Slow pyrolysis of willow ( Salix) studied with GC/MS and GC/FTIR/FID

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 1999-07, Vol.39 (1), p.103-112
• Main Authors: Ingemarsson, Åsa, Nilsson, Maritha, Pedersen, Jörgen R., Olsson, Jim O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; aromatic compounds; Atmospheric pollution; bark; Betula pendula; burning; combustion; Combustion and energy production; detectors; Exact sciences and technology; fourier transform infrared flame ionization detectors; fuelwood; mass spectrometry; organic compounds; Picea abies; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; pyrolysis; pyrolysis gas chromatography; Salix viminalis; wood
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/S0045-6535(98)00592-X

Small samples (15–150 mg) of wood and bark from basket willow ( Salix viminalis) clone Jorr were pyrolysed at 550°C. Samples from pure wood of European White (Silver) Birch ( Betula pendula (alba)) and Norway Spruce ( Picea abies) were used as references. The compounds produced during pyrolysis were analysed using gas chromatographic (GC) methods: direct injection with GC/FTIR/FID, direct injection with GC/MS, and pre-concentration with GC/MS. The samples from salix, birch and spruce all produced a range of low molecular weight compounds: aliphatic acids, esters, aldehydes, and ketones as well as furans. Commonly, these samples also formed aromatic compounds: phenol, methyl-phenols, and the guiacol (2-Methoxyphenol) series of compounds. Salix and birch both produced the syringol (2,6-Dimethoxyphenol) series of compounds. Syringol derivatives were not detected from the pyrolysis of spruce.