[numericman]

hello all! i'm conducting a pyrolysis experiment to obtain bio-oil from sawdust.but first i want to perform an experiment to determine the compositon of cellulose,lignin and hemicellulose in the sawdust through thermogravimetric analysis.what are the step-by-step(very detailed) experimental procedures involved in carrying out a thermogravimetric analysis on the sawdust to obtain the different compositon of cellulose,lignin and hemicellulose in the sawdust? links,journals,books etc are also welcomed. many thanks.

[marquis]

The first step is to talk to the technical support people for your thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA).  They will have some ideas as to the proper
temperature profile, proper atmosphere, proper heating rate, etc.

Then it is time to take a standard, with known amounts of those materials, and try the profile they recommend.

TGA can be touchy and usually takes several trials before a reasonable approach can be developed. 

Good luck