PHENOLIC COMPONENTS OF THE TAR FRACTION FROM PYROLYSIS OF RUBBERWOOD

Abstract

Tars collected as by-products of pyrolysis of rubberwood (Hevea brasieliensis Muell.) at several intrinsic temperatures were studied. The tars were distilled into six fractions such as a low boiling fraction (b.p. below 170° C), high boiling fractions (170-210°C, 210-235° C, 235-270° C, 270-315° C) and pitch. Increasing the intrinsic temperature above 250° C increased the amount of the high-boiling fraction and pitch. The highest yield of the high-boiling fraction (76%) based on the weight of tar was obtained at intrinsic temperature of 500°C. The fraction which came out at 270-315°Cwas only obtained at intrinsic temperature > 700°C. There was a significant change in the quantity of the weak acid (phenolic compounds) and neutral portions in the high boiling fraction with intrinsic temperature. The highest amount of weak acids was obtained at intrinsic temperature of between 500 to 700° C. Syringol was found to be the major phenolic component, followed by guaiacol and other phenols such as the xylenols, cresols, catechol and resorcinol.