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Molecular distillation was used to separate bio-oil into a light fraction, a middle
fraction and a heavy fraction. The chemical composition of the three fractions
and the crude bio-oil was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
(GC-MS). The diversity of the components reflected the complexity of the
bio-oil and the necessity for fractionation. The pyrolysis characteristics of
the bio-oil fractions were determined with a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled
with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). The weight loss
of components was in agreement with the chemical composition. The light fraction
evaporated fastest with the formation of water, CO2, hydrocarbons and
alcohols. The heavy fraction had the slowest rate of decomposition and the highest
char residue yield due to the presence of phenols and saccharides, and the pyrolysis
products included CO2 and alcohols or phenols, which was similar to
the middle fraction except the formation of water and formic acid. The release
of CO or methane, evidence of a secondary reaction, began at 450 °C
in the pyrolysis of the light and middle fractions.
450 °C
in the pyrolysis of the light and middle fractions.