US-Hungary Research on Charcoal Formation from Biomass

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Research described in this proposal explores new approaches to increasing the yields of charcoal from biomass. Thermogravimetric studies of water washed, acid washed (low temperature), and acid hydrolyzed bagasse will be undertaken to determine the influence of the various components of bagasse on charcoal formation. Considerable experimental evidence has accumulated which suggests that elevated pressures and a stagnant gas environment can double the usual yield of charcoal from biomass. This phenomena will be detailed by studying biomass pyrolysis in closed, sealed crucibles using a differential scanning calorimeter to monitor heat demand. Both studies of peak pressure and substrate composition will be undertaken to gain insight into how charcoal yields from biomass can be improved. Kinetic analysis of the data will also be completed. These studies rely on complementary expertise and instrumentation available in the Renewable Resources Research Laboratory of the University of Hawaii, and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Laboratory for Inorganic Chemistry. The research will be accomplished during exchange visits of scientists between the two laboratories. Results of this work will be particularly important to Pacific rim countries (Thailand, the Philippines, India, and China) which use substantial amounts of charcoal for cooking, and other developing countries (such as Brazil) which rely on charcoal to smelt iron ore.