Low-pressure pyrolysis of newsprint: Product formation

We report on the products formed in the isothermal pyrolysis of dried shredded newsprint, at pressures below 1 Torr over the temperature range 260–340°C. Both untreated newsprint and materials given a 1% HCl wash treatment are considered. First-order rate constant for each class of products are derived and compared with similar rate constants obtained in pyrolysis of oak sawdust and pure cellulose. Variations in the composition of tar products over the course of the pyrolysis process are examined. Also discussed are overall mass balances (> 93%), effects of small changes in heating rate, and the role of the acid wash pretreatment.