Characterisation of drek wood, jackfruit and pineapple peels for thermochemical conversion

Biomass thermochemical conversion is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative energy source. This study evaluates the potential of drek wood (DW), pineapple peel (PP), and jackfruit peel (JP) as viable feedstocks for gasification. Various characterisation was performed, including proximate and ultimate analyses, alongside FESEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, and TGA-DTA, to assess their bioenergy properties. The results show that DW, JP, and PP possess low moisture (6.24-7.25%) and ash contents (1.74-7.02%), with high volatile matter (75.75%-80.44%). DW possesses the lowest ash content (1.74%) and exhibits the highest heating value (18.19 MJ/kg). FTIR, FESEM, and XRD analysis confirmed the materials showed a typical lignocellulosic behaviour, identifying key functional groups (C-O, C-H, C=C, and O–H) and structural components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin). EDX ash analysis revealed a significant presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals, which are known to enhance syngas heating value, reactivity, and carbon conversion efficiency. The thermal analysis showed a lower ignition temperature for PP (175°C) and JP (208°C), indicating their higher reactivity and ease of combustion. The PP DTA curve further exhibited several exothermic peaks across 214°C-331°C due to its reactivity. Meanwhile, DW experienced the greatest mass loss during the devolatilization stage (58.88%), indicating high cellulose content. Overall, these findings emphasise the impressive gasification potential of DW and the valorisation of JP and PP waste as renewable resources.