Effect of Carbonization Temperature on Properties of Char from Canarium schweinfhurthii (Atili) Seed Shell.

Abstract

The effect of carbonization temperature on canarium schweinfhurthii seed shell was investigated. Atili seed shell particles was carbonized at different temperatures of 600, 800, 1000 and 1150°C under inert condition for 60 mins each to obtain char products. The effect of temperature on the properties of char was investigated in detail, using several characterization techniques including, mass yield, elemental analysis, and electrical property measurements while structural transformations were monitored using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The char yield decreased from 30.50 % to 26.55 % as the temperature increases from 600°C to 1150°C. The fixed carbon (82.3 to 92.66 %) and ash content (1.35 to 1.72 %) increase as temperature increase while the volatile matter (12.61 to 4.18 %) and moisture content (3.81 to 1.44 %) decreases. Ultimate analysis showed elemental carbon to increase from 85.96 % to 95.79 %. The electrical conductivity of obtained char improved significantly (1.99 x 10-9 to 7.24 x 10-2 S/cm) as well as the structural, morphology and near graphitization of char. Statistical analysis of the FTIR and XRD data via the principal component analysis showed similarity trend on the effect of temperature on the carbonization products. The improved electrical property, pore development in char morphology as well as the development of near graphitization features suggest possible use as electrode materials.