A Comparative Investigation of Heat Release Patterns During Combustion of Date Seed, Coconut Shell and Sugarcane Bagasse Via Thermogravimetric Analysis

Authors

  • Saadu Muzambilu
    Department of Physics, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
  • Aliyu Safana Aminu
  • Sa’id Abdullahi Sabi’u
  • Haruna Lawan
  • M Machina Muhammad

Keywords:

Thermogravimetric Analysis, Sugarcane Bagasse, Coconut Shell, Date Seed

Abstract

This study presents a comparative investigation of the thermal degradation behavior and heat release patterns of three agricultural biomass residues date seed, coconut shell, and sugarcane bagasse using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Proximate analysis revealed low moisture contents ranging from 3.40% to 4.85%, ash contents between 1.99% and 3.00%, and remarkably high volatile matter exceeding 90% across all samples. Calorific values ranged from 14.69 MJ/kg for date seed to 18.42 MJ/kg for coconut shell. Ultimate analysis showed carbon contents between 47.28% and 52.60%, with coconut shell exhibiting the highest carbon fraction. TGA results demonstrated multi-stage thermal degradation, with active decomposition occurring primarily between 200 to 400 °C. Coconut shell displayed greater thermal stability and higher residual mass due to its lignin-rich composition, while sugarcane bagasse showed faster devolatilization. The DTGA curves revealed distinct peaks corresponding to hemicellulose and cellulose decomposition, with coconut shell exhibiting broader peaks indicative of slower degradation. The findings confirm that these locally available agro-wastes possess sufficient energy potential and favorable combustion characteristics, making them viable alternatives for sustainable heat generation and bioenergy applications.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-08-25

How to Cite

Muzambilu, S., Aminu, A. S., Sabi’u, S. A., Lawan, H., & Muhammad, M. M. (2026). A Comparative Investigation of Heat Release Patterns During Combustion of Date Seed, Coconut Shell and Sugarcane Bagasse Via Thermogravimetric Analysis. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(S), 75-82. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35(s).2026.713

Issue

Vol. 35 No. S (2026): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 35(S)

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Saadu Muzambilu, Aliyu Safana Aminu, Sa’id Abdullahi Sabi’u, Haruna Lawan, M Machina Muhammad

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Muzambilu, S., Aminu, A. S., Sabi’u, S. A., Lawan, H., & Muhammad, M. M. (2026). A Comparative Investigation of Heat Release Patterns During Combustion of Date Seed, Coconut Shell and Sugarcane Bagasse Via Thermogravimetric Analysis. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(S), 75-82. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35(s).2026.713