Characterization and Optimization of Carbonization of Flamboyant Tree Pod

This study characterized and investigated the combustion properties of the flamboyant tree pod, and optimized the carbonization process of the pod. The pod was characterized using ultimate, proximate, and elemental analysis, while the calorific value was determined using bomb calorimeter. The characterization results show that the pod has 0.89% moisture, 75% volatile matter, 19.11% fixed carbon with 5% ash content, while 0.40%, 14.29%, 80.05% and 5.26% were for the optimal biochar. The ultimate analysis recorded 54.45% carbon, 1.31% hydrogen, 1.98% nitrogen, 40.19% oxygen and 0.08% sulphur for the pod, while the optimal biochar has 50.84%, 0.56%, 0.65%, 39.41% and 0.06%, respectively. The structural analysis revealed that cellulose content was higher than the hemicelluloses for both. Energy Dispersed X-ray (EDX) recorded the presence of minor and major elements. The calorific value of the pod was 16.25 MJ/Kg, while the optimal biochar was 28.76 MJ/Kg. This research indicated and concluded that the flamboyant pod and the obtained optimal biochar are suitable for bio-energy applications.