Pyrolysis process is one option to produce fuels from renewable sources, which are considered energetic alternatives for fossil fuels. The present work aimed at characterizing rice husk and corn cob, in order to analyze the pyrolytic potential of such materials. The proximate analysis was performed, and bulk and apparent densities were determined. Thermogravimetric and micro pyrolysis analyses were held, and the vapors generated from rice husk and corn cob were analyzed by a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. It was observed that the studied biomass, rice husk and corn cob, are viable raw materials for pyrolysis technique. The results indicated lower liquid yields and higher temperatures for the pyrolytic reaction of the rice husk when compared to corn cob pyrolysis; also indicated the possibility of using the bio-oils as sources of high added value compounds, as acetic acid. Regarding the pyrolysis process in a pilot plant, the results suggested that the corn cob bio-oil will present higher acidity and viscosity than the one from rice husk.
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