Characterization of the different fractions obtained from the pyrolysis of rope industry waste

A study of the possibilities of pyrolysis for recovering wastes of the rope's industry has been carried out. The pyrolysis of this lignocellulosic residue started at 250 °C, with the main region of decomposition occurring at temperatures between 300 and 350 °C. As the reaction temperature increased, the yields of pyrolyzed gas and oil increased, yielding 22 wt.% of a carbonaceous residue, 50 wt.% tars and a gas fraction at 800 °C. The chemical composition and textural characterization of the chars obtained at various temperatures confirmed that even if most decomposition occurs at 400 °C, there are some pyrolytic reactions still going on above 550 °C. The different pyrolysis fractions were analyzed by GC–MS; the produced oil was rich in hydrocarbons and alcohols. On the other hand, the gas fraction is mainly composed of CO2, CO and CH4. Finally, the carbonaceous solid residue (char) displayed porous features, with a more developed porous structure as the pyrolysis temperature increased.

► Pyrolysis process of rope industry waste (sisal).
► Analysis of the gas and liquid fractions and also of the solid carbonaceous residue.
► Identification of valuable chemicals on the liquid fraction.
► Carbonaceous residue can be used as precursor of low cost high performance activated carbons.