Consecutive reaction model for the pyrolysis of corn cob

Detailed information on the pyrolysis characteristics of corn cob was obtained. A thermogravimetric analysis including determination of kinetic parameters was performed over the temperature range of 373 to 1073 K at controlled heating rates of 10 to 30 K min^-1 and with various particle sizes. Under the conditions studied, the heating rate has a significant effect on the pyrolysis process, while the particle size has little effect. A one-step global model and a two-step consecutive-reaction model were developed to simulate this pyrolysis of corn cob and to determine the kinetic parameters. Although various chemicals are released during pyrolysis, global kinetics are looked to as offering a clue to the key mechanistic steps in the overall degradation process. The model predictions are in agreement with the thermal degradation over a wide range of chosen temperatures and particle sizes.