Lignin pyrolysis: results from an international collaboration

An international study of fast pyrolysis of lignin was undertaken. Fourteen laboratories in eight different countries contributed. Two lignin samples were distributed to the laboratories for analysis and bench-scale process testing in fast pyrolysis. Analyses included proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and analytical pyrolysis. The bench-scale test included bubbling fluidized-bed reactors and entrained-flow systems. Based on the results of the various analyses and tests it was concluded that a concentrated lignin (estimated at about 50% lignin and 50% cellulose) behaved like a typical biomass, producing a slightly reduced amount of a fairly typical bio-oil, while a purified lignin material was difficult to process in the fast pyrolysis reactors and produced a much lower amount of a different kind of bio-oil. It was concluded that for highly concentrated lignin feedstocks new reactor designs will be required other than the typical fluidized-bed fast pyrolysis systems.

The oxidation behaviour of sintered iron

The oxidation behaviour of porous, sintered iron was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), at temperatures between 300oC and 700oC, in a flowing atmosphere of 20% O2/80% N2. Samples for TGA tests were compacted from pure iron powder, at 150MPa to 550MPa, and vacuum sintered at 1120oC. The mass gain of samples during oxidation was recorded continuously for a period of 24 hours. It was found that the oxidation mass gain of PM samples depended on the permeability of the pore structure and the temperature. At low temperatures, the oxidising gas was able to permeate through the pore structure, causing the oxidation of a large active surface area. At high temperatures the active surface area was smaller, because oxygen diffusing into the pore structure, from the external atmosphere, was adsorbed by pore surfaces close to the external surface of the compact. Although the weight of the external oxide scale on compacts increased with increasing oxidation temperature, the absence of oxide in the core porosity in compacts oxidised at higher temperatures resulted in smaller mass gains than were observed for compacts oxidised at lower temperatures. The heat generated by the oxidation of the large active surface areas of porous samples was studied by thermo-calorimetric analysis (TCA). It was determined that this phenomenon could raise the core temperature of samples significantly above the ambient furnace temperature, and affecting the morphology of the oxide scale formed. The effects (on oxidation behaviour at 500oC) of small, elemental alloy additions of Al, Cu, P and Si to pure iron powder were studied. It was found that elements that promote pore rounding during sintering caused a significant reduction in the mass gain rate of the PM alloys, compared to the PM pure iron. The oxidation resistance due to these elements prevented pore closure by oxide growth, so that the active surface area of these PM alloys remained high. The PM alloys were also studied by thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA, dilatometry), to determine their dimensional stability during sintering and subsequent elevated temperature service. The oxidation experiment was augmented with optical and electron microscopy, and X-ray analysis of alloy and scale compositions.

The effects of ionising radiation on polypropylene

The interaction of ionising radiation with polymers is described and the literature relating; to the effects on polypropylene is reviewed. Oxidative and free radical reactions are discussed with particular reference to post-irradiationeffects.Isotactic and atactic polypropylene were δ and electron irradiated to doses of up to 20 megarad. Irradiations weremainly made in air. A series of other polymers were also irradiated in a preliminary survey. Molar mass measurements are used to measure the radiationyield for chain scission G (s). Irradiation at room temperature causes significantly more chain scission than at 195K. Additional chain scission occurs on storage following irradiation at 195 K. Free radical concentrations are determined by electron spin resonance, and the decay rates measured. The radical formed in air is a peroxy radical and in vacuo is a hydrocarbon radical. At77K in vacuo the radical is -CH2 - C* (CH3) - CH2 - but additional radicals are produced on warning to room temperature. The effects of increasing tenparature on radicals formed in air are described. Electron spin resonance studies on atactic polypropylene,and isotactic polypropylene in hydrogen, sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide are reported.. The melting temperatures, spherulite growth rates, and isothermal crystallisation rates of irradiated polypropylene are compared to those of the non-irradiated polymer. Crystallisation is found to proceed with an Avrami integer n = 2. At a given crystallisation temperature, the overall crystallisation rate of irradiated polymer is less than the non-irradiated, but spherulite growth rates are identical. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to assess the thermal stability of irradiated polypropylene in nitrogen, air and oxygen. Hydroperoxide analysis is used to show that several molecules of oxygen are absorbed for each initial radical, and that hydroperoxides continue to be formed for a long period following irradiation. Possible solutions for minimising irradiation and post-irradiation degradation are suggested, together with some problems for further study.

Polymeric films for buccal drug delivery

The aim of this research project is to evaluate whether or not pullulan films are suitable to buccal drug delivery of a phosphodiesterase5 (PDE5) inhibitor yonkenafil, which was discovered in our research group and currently is under phase II clinical trial for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Variable formulations of pullulan films were designed and the films were prepared. Mechanical properties of the films, in vitro drug release and polymer dissolution, in vitro drug penetration through porcine esophageal mucosa were investigated. The plasticization effects of solvents, polyols and acids to the films were studied by tensile test, and differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform-infrared, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy was applied to analyse the structure and chemical-bonding between pullulan and the additives within the films. Release mathematics models were used in the study of the mechanism of drug releases and polymer dissolutions. Ethanol, menthol, fatty acids, and sodium dodecyl sulphate were employed as penetration enhancers to pretreat the tissue. Various plasticizers and acids were applied into the films and the result showed polyethylene glycol 400 and 600 had the excellent plasticization effect on the drug-free pullulan films, while lactic acid was the best plasticizer for the drug-loaded films. Both PEG400 and lactic acid had a great effect on the drug release from the films in vitro, and all the results indicated that the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of pullulan and the additives influenced the mechanical properties of the films significantly, and also altered drug release mechanisms. Ethanol shows the greatest enhancing ability on the drug permeation through the porcine esophageal mucosa. A possible mechanism for this is that ethanol interferes with the structure of the lipids in the mucosa, resulting in increased partitioning of the drug into the membrane.

Intermediate pyrolysis studies of aquatic biomass and potential applications in the BtVB-process

Aquatic biomass is seen as one of the major feedstocks to overcome difficulties associated with 1st generation biofuels, such as competition with food production, change of land use and further environmental issues. Although, this finding is widely accepted only little work has been carried out to investigate thermo-chemical conversion of algal specimen to produce biofuels, power and heat. This work aims at contributing fundamental knowledge for thermo-chemical processing of aquatic biomass via intermediate pyrolysis. Therefore, it was necessary to install and commission an analytical pyrolysis apparatus which facilitates intermediate pyrolysis process conditions as well as subsequent separation and detection of pyrolysates (Py- GC/MS). In addition, a methodology was established to analyse aquatic biomass under intermediate conditions by Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Several microalgae (e.g. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris) and macroalgae specimen (e.g. Fucus vesiculosus) from main algal divisions and various natural habitats (fresh and saline water, temperate and polar climates) were chosen and their thermal degradation under intermediate pyrolysis conditions was studied. In addition, it was of interest to examine the contribution of biochemical constituents of algal biomass onto the chemical compounds contained in pyrolysates. Therefore, lipid and protein fractions were extracted from microalgae biomass and analysed separately. Furthermore, investigations of residual algal materials obtained by extraction of high valuable compounds (e.g. lipids, proteins, enzymes) were included to evaluate their potential for intermediate pyrolysis processing. On basis of these thermal degradation studies, possible applications of algal biomass and from there derived materials in the Bio-thermal Valorisation of Biomass-process (BtVB-process) are presented. It was of interest to evaluate the combination of the production of high valuable products and bioenergy generation derived by micro- and macro algal biomass.

Polypropylene as a reductive agent for dehalogenation of brominated organic compounds

A new method for debromination of organics by a reductive medium like polypropylene is investigated. The reaction is carried out in inert atmosphere to avoid rapid oxidation of the polymer. Through this detoxification procedure, hydrogen bromide and small brominated alkanes are formed. Experiments in closed ampoules are carried out with tetrabromobisphenol A, dibromophenol, pentabromodiphenyl ether, dichlorophenol and an oil formed by pyrolysis of printed circuit boards in the Haloclean® process. The reaction is examined under isothermal conditions in a temperature range between 300 and 400°C and a residence time between 10 and 30 min. Optimal conditions were found at 350°C and at a residence time of 20 min. As chlorinated phenols are not destroyed under these conditions, the process may be a valuable procedure to gain hydrogen bromide out of mixtures of halogenated feed materials. Also, under atmospheric pressure, a reaction between polypropylene and brominated compounds takes place as could be proved by thermogravimetric analysis. Bromobenzene has an accelerating effect on the rate of weight loss of the polymer, but at higher concentrations, it can also be slowed down. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New insights in the deactivation of sulfonic modified SBA-15 catalysts for biodiesel production from low-grade oleaginous feedstock

Arenesulfonic-acid functionalized SBA-15 materials have been used in the production of biodiesel from low grade oleaginous feedstock. These materials display an outstanding catalytic activity, being able to promote the transformation of crude palm oil with methanol into fatty acid methyl esters with high yield (85%) under mild reaction conditions. However, high sensitivity of the catalyst against poisoning by different substances has also been detected. Thus, alkaline metal cations, such as sodium or potassium exert a negative influence on the catalytic activity of these materials, being necessary amounts around 500 ppm of sodium in the reaction media to decrease the catalytic activity of these materials to a half of its initial value in just two reaction runs. The deactivation of arenesulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 materials seems to occur in this case by ion exchange of the acid protons at the sulfonic groups. Organic unsaponifiable compounds like lecithin or retinol also induce a negative influence in the catalytic activity of these sulfonic acid-based materials, though not so intense as in the case of alkaline metals. The deactivating mechanism associated to the influence of the organic compounds seems to be linked to the adsorption of such substances onto the catalytic acid sites as well as on the silica surface. The accumulation of lecithin in the surface of catalyst, observed by means of thermogravimetric analysis, suggest the creation of a strong interaction, probably by ion pair, between this compound and the sulfonic acid group.

Preparation of a poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer using a novel tin(II) alkoxide initiator and its fiber processing for potential use as an absorbable monofilament surgical suture

A poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer, P(LL-co-CL), of composition 75:25 mol% was synthesized via the bulk ring-opening copolymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone using a novel bis[tin(II) monooctoate] diethylene glycol coordination-insertion initiator, OctSn-OCH2CH2OCH2CH2O-SnOct. The P(LL-co-CL) copolymer obtained was characterized by a combination of analytical techniques, namely nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dilute-solution viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. For processing into a monofilament fiber, the copolymer was melt spun with minimal draw to give a largely amorphous and unoriented as-spun fiber. The fiber's oriented semicrystalline morphology, necessary to give the required balance of mechanical properties, was then developed via a sequence of controlled offline hot-drawing and annealing steps. Depending on the final draw ratio, the fibers obtained had tensile strengths in the region of 200–400 MPa.

Physicochemical characterization of grewia polysaccharide gum:effect of drying method

Grewia polysaccharide gum, a potential pharmaceutical excipient was extracted from the inner stem bark of Grewia mollis, thereupon drying was achieved by three techniques: air-drying, freeze-drying and spray-drying. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition including 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis of the polysaccharide gum was carried out. The effect of the drying methods on the physicochemical properties of the gum was evaluated by Fourier transformed infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide sugar analysis revealed that the gum is composed of glucose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose and xylose as the main neutral sugars. These were supported by the results from 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis. FT-IR and solid-state NMR results indicated that drying technique has little effect on the structure of the polysaccharide gum but XPS showed that surface chemistry of the gum varied with drying methods. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that oxidation onset varied according to the drying method. The molecular weight was also dependent on the drying technique. For industrial extrapolation, air-drying may be preferable to spray-drying and freeze-drying when relative cost, product stability and powder flow are required, for example in tablet formulation. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expanding the biomass resource:sustainable oil production via fast pyrolysis of low input high diversity biomass and the potential integration of thermochemical and biological conversion routes

Waste biomass is generated during the conservation management of semi-natural habitats, and represents an unused resource and potential bioenergy feedstock that does not compete with food production. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to characterise a representative range of biomass generated during conservation management in Wales. Of the biomass types assessed, those dominated by rush (Juncus effuses) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) exhibited the highest and lowest volatile compositions respectively and were selected for bench scale conversion via fast pyrolysis. Each biomass type was ensiled and a sub-sample of silage was washed and pressed. Demineralization of conservation biomass through washing and pressing was associated with higher oil yields following fast pyrolysis. The oil yields were within the published range established for the dedicated energy crops miscanthus and willow. In order to examine the potential a multiple output energy system was developed with gross power production estimates following valorisation of the press fluid, char and oil. If used in multi fuel industrial burners the char and oil alone would displace 3.9 × 105 tonnes per year of No. 2 light oil using Welsh biomass from conservation management. Bioenergy and product development using these feedstocks could simultaneously support biodiversity management and displace fossil fuels, thereby reducing GHG emissions. Gross power generation predictions show good potential.

Characterization of Grewia gum, a potential pharmaceutical excipient

Grewia gum was extracted from the inner stem bark of Grewia mollis and characterized by several techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis of the extracted sample. Spectroscopic techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 1H and 13C NMR techniques were also used to characterize the gum. The results showed that grewia gum is a typically amorphous polysaccharide gum containing glucose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose and xylose as neutral sugars. It has an average molecular weight of 5925 kDa expressed as the pullulan equivalent. The gum slowly hydrated in water, dispersing and swelling to form a highly viscous dispersion exhibiting pseudoplastic flow behaviour. The polysaccharide gum is thermally stable and may have application as stabilizer or suspending agent in foods, cosmetics and in pharmaceuticals. It may have application as a binder or sustained-release polymer matrix in tablets or granulations. © IPEC-Americas Inc.

Pigmentos a base de Cobalto para aplicação em revestimentos cerâmicos

Ceramic pigments that own mainly the spinel structure AB2O4 are becoming a matter of great scientific and technological interest due to the ability of accommodate different cations in its structure, allowing different dopings and thus obtaining different colors. Studies on ceramic pigments currently are being directed to the development of stable and pigments obtained at low temperatures and with greater reproducibility. This work aims at the use of inorganic pigments for applications in ceramic tiles, investigating the influence of doping and calcination temperature on the coloring pigments and ceramic glazes. the based pigments of CoCr2O4, CoAl2O4, Co0,8Zn0,2Cr2O4 and Co0,8Zn0,2Al2O4 were synthesized by a chemical route using commercial gelatin as organic precursor. The materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the UVVisible region and colorimetry. The results confirmed the feasibility of synthesis used, the route presented pigments crystal structures and the desired phases were obtained from 500 °C with increased crystallinity and the crystallite size. The pigments have hues ranging from green to violet according to their doping and calcination temperatures.

Elaboração de pós de ferrita de cobalto, CoFe2O4, nanoestruturados e hierarquizados: influência da morfologia sobre a detecção e oxidação catalítica de gases poluentes

This thesis is part of research on new materials for catalysis and gas sensors more active, sensitive, selective. The aim of this thesis was to develop and characterize cobalt ferrite in different morphologies, in order to study their influence on the electrical response and the catalytic activity, and to hierarchize these grains for greater diffusivity of gas in the material. The powders were produced via hydrothermal and solvothermal, and were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (electron diffraction, highresolution simulations), and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The catalytic and electrical properties were tested in the presence of CO and NO2 gases, the latter in different concentrations (1-100 ppm) and at different temperatures (room temperature to 350 ° C). Nanooctahedra with an average size of 20 nm were obtained by hydrothermal route. It has been determined that the shape of the grains is mainly linked to the nature of the precipitating agent and the presence of OH ions in the reaction medium. By solvothermal method CoFe2O4 spherical powders were prepared with grain size of 8 and 20 nm. CoFe2O4 powders exhibit a strong response to small amounts of NO2 (10 ppm to 200 ° C). The nanooctahedra have greater sensitivity than the spherical grains of the same size, and have smaller response time and shorter recovery times. These results were confirmed by modeling the kinetics of response and recovery of the sensor. Initial tests of catalytic activity in the oxidation of CO between temperatures of 100 °C and 350 °C show that the size effect is predominant in relation the effect of the form with respect to the conversion of the reaction. The morphology of the grains influence the rate of reaction. A higher reaction rate is obtained in the presence of nanooctahedra. In order to improve the detection and catalytic properties of the material, we have developed a methodology for hierarchizing grains which involves the use of carbonbased templates.

Aproveitamento sustentável do bagaço de cana de açúcar para obtenção do acetato de celulose

The sustainable use of waste resulting from the agribusiness is currently the focus of research, especially the sugar cane bagasse (BCA), being the lignocellulosic waste produced in greater volume in the Brazilian agribusiness, where the residual biomass has been applied in production energy and bioproducts. In this paper, pulp was produced in high purity from the (BCA) by pulping soda / anthraquinone and subsequent conversion to cellulose acetate. Commercial cellulose Avicel was used for comparison. The obtained cellulose acetate was homogeneous acetylation reaction by modifying the variables, the reaction time in hours (8, 12, 16, 20 and 24) and temperature in ° C (25 and 50). FTIR spectra showed characteristic bands identical to cellulosic materials, demonstrating the efficiency of separation by pulping. The characterization of cellulose acetate was obtained and by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG / DTG / DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and determining the degree of substitution (DS ) for the cellulose acetate to confirm the acetylation. The optimal reaction time for obtaining diacetates and triacetates, at both temperatures were 20 and 24 h. Cellulose acetate produced BCA presented GS between 2.57 and 2.7 at 25 ° C and 50 ° C GS obtained were 2.66 and 2.84, indicating the actual conversion of cellulose BCA of di- and triacetates. Comparative mode, commercial cellulose Avicel GS showed 2.78 and 2.76 at 25 ° C and 2.77 to 2.75 at 50 ° C. Data were collected in time of 20 h and 24 h, respectively. The best result was for the synthesis of cellulose acetate obtained from the BCA GS 2.84 to 50 ° C and 24 hours, being classified as cellulose triacetate, which showed superior result to that produced with the commercial ethyl cellulose Avicel, demonstrating converting potential of cellulose derived from a lignocellulosic residue (BCA), low cost, prospects of commercial use of cellulose acetate

Aplicação da destilação simulada por cromatografia gasosa e da termogravimetria para a avaliação da influência da redução do teor de enxofre sobre as propriedades físico-químicas do óleo diesel

One of the main problems related to the use of diesel as fuel is the presence of sulfur (S) which causes environmental pollution and corrosion of engines. In order to minimize the consequences of the release of this pollutant, Brazilian law established maximum sulfur content that diesel fuel may have. To meet these requirements, diesel with a maximum sulfur concentration equal to 10 mg/kg (S10) has been widely marketed in the country. However, the reduction of sulfur can lead to changes in the physicochemical properties of the fuel, which are essential for the performance of road vehicles. This work aims to identify the main changes in the physicochemical properties of diesel fuel and how they are related to reduction of sulfur content. Samples of diesel types S10, S500 and S1800 were tested according with the methods of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The fuels were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and subjected to physical distillation (ASTM D86) and simulated distillation gas chromatography (ASTM D2887). The results showed that the reduction of sulfur turned the fuel lighter and fluid, allowing a greater applicability to low temperature environments and safer for transportation and storage. Through the simulated distillation data was observed that decreasing sulfur content resulted in higher initial boiling point temperatures and the decreasing of the boiling temperature of the medium and heavy fractions. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a loss event mass attributed to volatilization or distillation of light and medium hydrocarbons. Based on these data, the kinetic behavior of the samples was investigated and it was observed that the activation energies (Ea) did not show significant changes throughout conversion. Considering the average of these energies, the S1800 had the highest Ea during the conversion and the S10 the lowest values