Thermogravimetric investigation of hydrochar-lignite co-combustion

► Hydrochars were produced from coconut fibers and eucalyptus leaves. ► Fuel qualities of the hydrochars were improved compared to parent biomass. ► Co-combustion of the hydrochars with lignite was investigated. ► Synergistic interactions between hydrochar and lignite were observed. ► High combustion efficiency was achieved during hydrochar-lignite co-combustion. Co-combustion of hydrochar with lignite was investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis. Hydrochars were produced from coconut fibers and eucalyptus leaves under hydrothermal conditions at 250°C. The hydrochar was added in varying amounts to lignite for combustion. The results indicated that hydrothermal treatment decreased the volatile matter content and increased the fixed carbon content of the biomaterials. The elevated energy density and decreased ash content of the hydrochar improved its combustion behavior when co-fired with lignite for energy production. The hydrochars derived from coconut fiber and eucalyptus leaves had similar chemical compositions and showed similar influences on lignite combustion. Hydrochar addition increased the burnout and shortened the combustion range of the hydrochar-lignite blends. High combustion efficiency was observed due to the synergistic interactions between hydrochar and lignite during the co-combustion process. A kinetic study showed that the combustion process of hydrochar-lignite blends followed first-order reaction rates.