Chemical and physical analysis of the liquid fractions from soursop seed cake obtained using slow pyrolysis conditions

- Pyrolysis productsyields:bio-oil(18.64%); aqueous fraction(31.48%); biochar(32.16%) and gas(17.72%).
- The oil and aqueous fractions were analyzed by GCMS and their composition compared with the initial biomass composition.
- The composition of the oil differs from the aqueous fraction especially in the aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
- The miscibility of severaloxygenated compounds, in water, probably is associated with hydrogen bond interactions.

This study analyzed the fractions obtained by applying slow pyrolysis to soursop (Annona Muricata L.) seed cake. The temperature employed was 400 °C because of the interest in the four products obtained at this temperature. The bio-oil, biochar, gas and aqueous fraction were obtained with yields 18.6%, 32.2%, 17.7% and 31.5% (w/w), respectively. The oil and aqueous fraction were analyzed by GCMS and showed a composition of phenol derivatives, furan, some acids and esters as main components and in the case of the oil, also hydrocarbons were observed. The profile of the fragments observed in the mass spectra of the compounds obtained in CGMS analysis were compared with the initial composition of biomass, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and extractives (fatty acids and proteins). The oil was further evaluated by FTIR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis (C H N) and density, viscosity, moisture, acid content, calorific value, ash content and flash point. The oil showed to be a good fuel for industrial burners and when blended with ethanol this quality increase.

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