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GLC analysis of temperature effects on furfural production during pyrolysis of black cherry

Journal Article · · Wood Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5087492
Thermal degradation of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) was conducted in an inert atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 250/sup 0/ to 1000/sup 0/C. The volatiles produced during carbonization were condensed in a liquid nitrogen trap and separated by steam distillation after which they were extracted with ether. This fraction was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) using a 4-mm (inside diameter) by 1.83-m-long glass column packed with 10 percent methyl silicone fluid. The GLC column temperature was programed from 40/sup 0/ to 240/sup 0/C at a rate of 12.5/sup 0/C per minute. Using this GLC temperature program, three chromatograms from each carbonization temperature were obtained and the furfural peak was identified and quantitatively analyzed. As carbonization temperature increased from 250/sup 0/ to 500/sup 0/C, the amount of furfural in the condensate also increased. The condensate chromatograms show that considerably more compounds are formed at temperatures above 320/sup 0/C than at 250/sup 0/C. The chromatograms from the temperature range of 500/sup 0/ to 1000/sup 0/C showed little change in the number of compounds detected. Regression analysis revealed relationships between carbonization temperature, mass of the condensate, and mass of furfural per original mass of wood.
Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
OSTI ID:
5087492
Journal Information:
Wood Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Wood Sci.; (United States) Vol. 12:2; ISSN WOSCB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English