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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Combustion and Pyrolysis?

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The main difference between combustion and pyrolysis lies in the presence or absence of oxygen during the process. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Combustion:
  • Occurs in the presence of oxygen.
  • Produces heat and light energy, making it an exothermic reaction.
  • Results in gaseous end products.
  • Generates the most heat among the three processes (pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion).
  1. Pyrolysis:
  • Occurs in the absence of oxygen, usually in a vacuum or oxygen-poor environment.
  • A decomposition reaction in which organic materials break down when provided with heat energy.
  • Produces gaseous components along with trace amounts of liquid and solid residues.
  • Generates a small amount of heat compared to gasification and combustion.

In summary, combustion is a chemical reaction where substances react with oxygen to produce heat and light, while pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction that occurs without oxygen and generates gaseous components along with trace amounts of liquid and solid residues.

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  • What is the Difference Between Combustion and Pyrolysis?
  • Comparative Table: Combustion vs Pyrolysis

    • Comparative Table: Combustion vs Pyrolysis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between combustion and pyrolysis:

    Feature Combustion Pyrolysis
    Definition Combustion is a chemical reaction that produces heat and light in the form of flame, frequently accompanied by the release of oxygen. Pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction in which organic matter decomposes when heat energy is provided, occurring in the absence of oxygen.
    Oxygen Presence Combustion involves thermal decomposition in the presence of oxygen gas. Pyrolysis involves thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen gas.
    Products Combustion produces gaseous end products. Pyrolysis produces gaseous components along with trace amounts of liquid and solid residues.
    Energy Combustion is exothermic, producing heat and light energy. Pyrolysis requires heat energy to break down organic materials.
    Occurrence Combustion occurs in the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere. Pyrolysis occurs in the absence of oxygen in the atmosphere.

    In summary, combustion is an exothermic reaction that requires oxygen to produce heat and light, while pyrolysis is a decomposition reaction that breaks down organic materials without oxygen. Both processes are thermochemical reactions but have distinct differences in their oxygen requirements, products, and energy characteristics.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.