Oxidation behavior and decomposition kinetics of mixed-waste biomass material

• Published in: Bioresources 2023-02, Vol.18 (1), p.778-791
• Main Authors: Lin, Po-Heng, Ko, Chun-Han, Chang, Fang-Chih, Tu, San-Hsien, Lin, Cheng-Jung
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: activation energy; Alternative energy sources; Automobiles; biomass; Biomass energy; Calorific value; Carbon; Cellulose; Cryptomeria; Decomposition; Flue gas; Fuels; Hardwoods; Landfill; Lignin; Motorcycles; Oxidation; Pellets; Plastics; Polyethylene; Polyurethane; Polyurethane foam; Recycling; Renewable energy; Sustainable development; waste rigid polyurethane foam; waste-derived fuels
• ISSN: 1930-2126; 1930-2126
• DOI: 10.15376/biores.18.1.778-791

In Taiwan, approximately 379,000 automobiles and 588,000 motorcycles were recycled in 2019. Rigid polyurethane foam is one of the principal components of auto shredder residue. The amount of rigid polyurethane foam from the recycling of waste vehicles is 8,000 to 10,000 tons/year. In this study, waste Cryptomeria wood was mixed with waste rigid polyurethane foam to form derived fuels. The oxidation behaviors of the wood mixed with waste rigid polyurethane foam-derived fuels were investigated. The characteristics of the derived fuel made from wood mixed with waste rigid polyurethane foam showed that the ash content was less than 2.5% and its calorific value reached 21.9 MJ/kg. According to the Friedman equation, the activation energies of the wood mixed with 5%, 15%, and 30% of waste rigid polyurethane foam pellets were 212, 220, and 188 kJ/mol, respectively. The thermal conversion efficiencies of the wood mixed with 5%, 15%, and 30% of waste rigid polyurethane foam pellets were 30.2% to 48.1% by a water boiling test. The results showed that waste Cryptomeria mixed with waste rigid polyurethane foam-derived fuels is suitable for use as an alternative renewable energy fuel.