Influence of molten salts on pyrolysis characteristics of rice straw

In order to investigate the effects of molten salts on pyrolysis characteristics of rice straw, the pyrolysis behaviors of rice straw had been investigated with thermogravimtirc analysis by changing cations (Na⁺, K⁺) and anions (Cl^-, CO₃^2- and SO₄^2-) of the molten salts, respectively. The results indicated that the pyrolysis of rice straw was occurred in the range of 200°C and 400°C. With the increase of heating rate, hysteresis was existed during the pyrolysis process, and the maximum weight loss rate increased. The pyrolysis happened at a lower temperature range and the volatile matter vapored easily under the role of CO₃^2-, and SO₄^2- had advantages of fixing charcoal under the same cation conditions. Compared with Na⁺, it was easier for K⁺ to generate charcoal under the same anion conditions. Integration method Ozawa was used in kinetic analysis on the samples processed by deducting the added salts, the results showed that the activation energy of rice straw under the role of NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and KCl decreased compared with that of the sample without additives, while the activation energy processed by Na₂CO₃ increased. This research can provide a certain reference for the exploitation and utilization of agricultural residues.