Activated carbon by co-pyrolysis and steam activation from particle board and melamine formaldehyde resin: production, adsorption properties and techno economic evaluation

Abstract

One of the top strategic objectives and research areas in Europe is recovering wood from processing and end of life products. However, there are still several ‘contaminated’ wood products that are not or only partly reused/recycled. Particle board waste which is contaminated with aminoplasts is one of these products. In addition, a considerable amount of aminoplast waste resin is produced for the production of particle board that cannot be re-used or recycled at this moment. The chemical properties of these wastes (high nitrogen content 5,9 wt% and 54,1 wt% for particle board and melamine formaldehyde respectively) make them ideal precursors for the production of nitrogenised activated carbon. The profitability of the produced activated carbon is investigated by calculating the net present value, the minimal selling price and identification of the key variables. Finally, Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is carried out. Encouraging results for a profitable production are obtained even though the current assumptions rather start from a pessimistic scenario.