“Characterization of jackfruit peel as a promising resource for different thermo-chemical processes”

Abstract

The present study investigates the candidacy of jackfruit peel as a valuable feedstock for thermo-chemical processes. To meet this objective jackfruit peel was characterized in detail using analytical techniques including Proximate and Ultimate analyses, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), etc. Further, this study also helps the reader to select necessary characterization techniques to be performed according to the chosen process, which is the novelty of the work. The characterization results indicate moisture content, volatile matter, ash content and fixed carbon of 8.5 %, 74.6 %, 5.9 % and 11 %, respectively. The findings highlight the peel's favorable composition for syngas and consisting of sufficient extractives, lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses. Thermal analysis indicates a major mass loss between 180–500 °C, while FTIR spectra identify functional groups crucial for biomass conversion. XRD patterns suggest a high carbon content and crystalline structure, enhancing thermal stability. Results of these characterizations are compared well with that of published literature.