The pyrolysis of coconut shell, coconut shell residue and de-ashed coconut shell residue was studied with the thermogravimetric technique, and the pyrolysis kinetics models were established.It was found that for coconut shell residue and de-ashed coconut shell residue, pyrolysis mainly occurred between 280—370℃, and there was only a single peak in their DTG curves.But in the case of raw coconut shell, two stages of 230—300℃ and 300—350℃, were involved in the pyrolysis process, which resulted in two peaks in the DTG curve.Apparent activation energies for the pyrolysis of these three materials were estimated, and the difference of apparent activation energies in the low temperature range was more evident than in the high temperature range and the highest reaction rate appeared in the high temperature stage.When used for making activated carbon, coconut shell residue and de-ashed coconut shell residue have more advantages than coconut shell.The pyrolysis temperature is in a narrow range.The pyrolysis process is easy to control and is noted for energy saving.
