article · Energy Conversion and Management X
This research evaluates the use of Dracaena draco waste fibres as a renewable feedstock for biofuel production via pyrolysis. Using thermogravimetric analysis at several heating rates, the study tracks the multi-step thermal degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Kinetic analysis reveals that activation energies range from 47.7 to 239.8 kJ per mole, with the thermal breakdown best described by random nucleation and growth models. Thermodynamic assessments demonstrate that the conversion process is endothermic and non-spontaneous, meaning continuous external heat is required to drive the reactions. Overall, the findings establish baseline data on the reaction mechanisms and energy demands needed to inform efficient biomass conversion.
As fossil fuel reserves decline, converting agricultural and plant wastes into biofuels offers a viable pathway to sustainable energy. Understanding the precise heat requirements and chemical behaviour during the thermal breakdown of Dracaena draco fibres allows engineers to design more efficient industrial reactors, helping to scale renewable fuel production while preventing unnecessary energy losses.
This research could inform the work of bioenergy technology developers, chemical process engineers, and reactor manufacturers seeking to utilise unconventional plant fibres. Because the study focuses on laboratory-scale thermal analysis and kinetic modelling, the findings represent early-stage research that requires pilot-scale reactor trials and process optimisation before commercial deployment.
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• First study on Dracaena draco waste fibers (DdwFs) pyrolysis for biofuel production. • Multi-step degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin revealed by TGA. • Kinetic analysis using Coats–Redfern and Criado’s master plot for model validation. • Activation energies (47.7–239.8 kJ/mol) vary with heating rate, indicating complex kinetics. • Thermodynamic analysis confirms pyrolysis is endothermic and non-spontaneous. As global demand for sustainable energy intensifies, the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concerns drive the search for alternative, renewable resources. Biomass, particularly underutilized waste fibers, offers significant potential. This study investigates Dracaena draco waste fibers (DdwFs) as a promising feedstock for biofuel production through pyrolysis, a well-established thermochemical process.Using thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis at heating rates of 15, 25, and 30 °C min − 1, the study examines the pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamics of DdwFs. The Coats–Redfern method is applied to determine the kinetic triplet, activation energy (E a ), pre-exponential factor (A), and reaction mechanism, while Criado’s master plot validates the model. The results reveal a multi-step degradation process involving hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The Random Nucleation and Growth models (M15–M22) best describe the kinetics, with E a values ranging from 47.7 to 239.8 kJ mol −1 . Thermodynamic analysis confirms that pyrolysis is endothermic (ΔH > 0) and non-spontaneous (ΔG > 0), necessitating continuous energy input. These findings underscore the potential of DdwFs as a renewable biofuel source, providing valuable insights into the energy requirements and reaction mechanisms crucial for optimizing biomass conversion. This research offers a pathway for improving reactor designs and advancing sustainable biofuel production, contributing to the transition from fossil fuels to eco-friendly energy solutions.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101494
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