Thermogravimetric analysis of Silantek coal, Palm Kernel Shell, Palm Kernel Shell char and their blends during combustion

Preliminary thermogravimetric studies of Silantek coal (SL), Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), PKS char and their blends have been performed in a Thermogravimetry Analyser(TGA). PKS char were produced using microwave irradiation carbonization system at power of 300 Watt, with nitrogen flow rate of 150 mL/min for 30 minutes. Combustion tests of raw and blends samples were carried out in purified air atmosphere conditions at heating rates of 20 °C/min. The SL/ PKS and SL/ PKS char blends were prepared in the weight ratios of 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 20:80. Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) results which represent the decomposition of volatile matters and char showed that raw PKS has higher reactivity than SL during combustion process. The thermal profiles of the SL: PKS blends correlated with the percentage of PKS added in the blends, representing lack of synergic effect between both samples. SL and PKS char blends results in single evolution peak, indicated possibility to be used as alternative fuel for combustion. These findings may be useful for the power generation industry in the development of future co-firing plants using coal/ biomass; however, significant development work is required before large-scale implementation can be done.