Thermochemical and kinetic analysis of the pyrolysis process in Cladophora glomerata algae

• Thermochemical properties of the green algae Cladophora glomerata was determined.
• Calorific value of CG was sufficient for obtaining an autothermal process.
• Gaseous products of the pyrolysis process were identified.
• Kinetic model was assumed, and the kinetic parameters were determined.

Marine biomass is recognized to be an energy crop or feedstock for biorefinery. Simultaneously, macroalgae or seaweed can also be a waste problem because these plants can be deposited spontaneously on the shore, creating hygienic problems. One possible way to utilize this waste is thermal processing (including combustion, gasification and pyrolysis). In this paper, thermochemical properties of the Baltic green algae Cladophora glomerata (CG) are presented. Pyrolysis of CG is carefully analyzed using a thermogravimetric method. The mechanism of the pyrolysis process and kinetic parameters are determined and discussed. C. glomerata can be utilized in thermal processes, and pyrolysis is one possible way for this utilization.