Measuring the specific heat capacity of wood during pyrolysis

Abstract

Specific heat capacity of red oak and Douglas fir was measured from 0°C to 438°C using differential scanning calorimetry to provide input parameters for fire modeling. Techniques that allow for measurement of the standard heat capacity, excluding the effects of heat of reaction, were explored. Results show the specific heat capacity of wood becomes nearly constant with increasing temperature once pyrolysis starts. Furthermore, for both species of woods, the heat capacity values level out at a higher temperature than leaves, with correspondingly higher final specific heat capacity values.

Citation

Hasburgh, L.E.; Boardman, C.R. 2023. Measuring the specific heat capacity of wood during pyrolysis. STP 1642. In: Bruns, M.C.; Janssens, M.L., eds. ASTM 42nd Symposium on Obtaining Data for Fire Growth Models. December 14-15, 2021. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International: 88-96. https://doi.org/10.1520/STP164220210098.