Energetic potential and kinetic behavior of peats

Abstract

Investigations were conducted with the aim to improve the energetic characterization of peats with different geological origin, hydrology, and botanical composition. Special attention was paid to the effects and kinetics of thermal treatment of peat decomposition in an oxidative atmosphere. Experiments were carried out using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and a calorimetric bomb. The present study shows that thermal decomposition process consists in a devolatilization step between 473 and 650 K and a combustion step between 650 and 773 K. Thermochemical properties (i.e., degree of decomposition, ultimate analysis, and heating value) were determined for each sample and c..