A Comparison of Feedstock from Agricultural Biomass and Face Masks for the Production of Biochar through Co-Pyrolysis

• Main Authors: Yusoff Y., Tan E.S., Ismail F.B.
• Other Authors: 59228498100
• Format: Article
• Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) 2024
• Subjects: biomass; EFB; face mask; pyrolysis; sustainability; biochar; combustion; comparative study; heating; moisture content; plastic waste
• Institution: Universiti Tenaga Nasional

This study explores the pyrolysis of disposable face masks to produce chemicals suitable for use as fuel, addressing the environmental concern posed by single-use face masks. Co-pyrolysis of biomass with face mask plastic waste offers a promising solution. The research focuses on the co-pyrolysis of biomass and face masks, aiming to characterise the properties for analysis and optimisation. Selected agricultural biomass and face mask plastic waste were subjected to temperatures from 250 �C to 400 �C for co-pyrolysis. Slow pyrolysis was chosen because face masks cannot be converted into useful bioproducts at temperatures exceeding 400 �C. The samples were tested in four different ratios and the study was conducted under inert conditions to ensure analysis accuracy and reliability. The results indicate that face masks exhibit a remarkable calorific value of 9310 kcal/kg. Face masks show a two-fold increase in calorific value compared with biomass alone. Additionally, the low moisture content of face masks (0.10%) reduces the heating value needed to remove moisture, enhancing their combustion efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of co-pyrolysis with face masks as a means of generating valuable chemicals for fuel production, contributing to environmental sustainability. � 2023 by the authors.