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Title: GlC analysis of temperature effects on furfural production during pyrolysis of black cherry

Journal Article · · Wood Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6747078

Thermal degradation of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) was conducted in an inert atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 250 degrees to l000 degrees Celcius. 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 l0 percent methyl silicone fluid. The (GLC) column temperature was programed from 40 degrees to 240 degrees at a rate of l2.5 degrees Celcius 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 degrees at 500 degrees Celcius, the amount of furfural in the condensate also increased. The condensate chromatograms show that considerably more compounds are formed at temperatures above 320 degrees Celcius. The chromatograms from the temperature range of 500 degrees to l000 degrees showed little change in the number of compounds detected. Regression analysis revealed relationships between carbonization temperature, mass of the condensate, and mass furfural per original mass of wood.

Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ, University Park
OSTI ID:
6747078
Journal Information:
Wood Sci.; (United States), Vol. 12:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English