Table of contents
Biomass is one of the main pillars of the global energy transition and the development of sustainable materials. It comprises all organic matter of plant, animal or microbial origin that is present in a given ecosystem at a given time. The energetic and material utilization of biomass enables the reduction of fossil energy sources and contributes significantly to decarbonization and the circular economy [Osman et al., 2021].
The complexity of biomass – from woody residues to agricultural waste and biogenic mixed fractions – poses different technical, ecological and economic challenges [Mahapatra et al., 2021]. In order to fully exploit the potential, precise analytical characterization is required: thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DSC play a central role here.
Composition and characterization of biomass
The basic structure of biomass is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. These polymers determine the mechanical, thermal and energetic properties of the source material [Barot, 2022]:
-
Cellulose forms the solid matrix as a glucose polymer.
-
Hemicellulose contains branched sugar structures (e.g. xylans).
-
Lignin is a complex, three-dimensional polymer of aromatic alcohols and provides strength and hydrophobicity.
The composition varies depending on the type of plant, age and degree of maturity. Additives such as moisture, ash, nitrogen and sulphur influence combustion quality, emissions and energy yield. Modern analysis technology records these parameters for industrial evaluation and quality control [Linseis, 2025].
Energy and material utilization
Bioenergy in figures and development
Biomass accounts for a substantial proportion of the renewable energy mix in Germany and Europe: Over 60 % is used for energy – as direct fuels for heat and electricity or in biogas plants [Berlin, 2025]. The remainder is used for material recycling or as a substrate for the production of synthesis gas and hydrogen [DBFZ, 2025].
In terms of political strategy, the focus is shifting to sustainable system integration. Competing uses must be avoided, residual material flows must be intelligently tapped and the entire life cycle must be evaluated from an environmental and resource perspective [Mahapatra et al., 2021].
Industrial fields of application
Energy generation: Use as fuel in power plants or to generate process heat.
Biofuels: Production of bioethanol and biodiesel from sugar and oils.
Chemicals: Biogenic platform chemicals, basic materials for the plastics and pharmaceutical industries.
Modern processes: Pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, gasification for the production of synthesis gas and “green” hydrogen [Barot, 2022][Mahapatra et al., 2021].
Thermal analysis methods: TGA, DSC and EGA
The thermal and kinetic behavior of biomass is evaluated using proven methods:
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): Captures mass lossesdecomposition profiles and volatile components as a function of temperature. This can be used to determine the moisture content, degradation points of cellulose/hemicellulose/lignin and the ash image [Osman et al., 2021][Linseis, 2025].
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): Measures energy flows and heat capacity during endo- and exothermic processes, e.g. pyrolysis, combustion or evaporation [Barot, 2022].
Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA): Identifies and quantifies released gases using coupled mass spectrometry or IR detection.
The combination of these processes provides information on product distribution, kinetics and optimization potential for industrial applications – from process control to the development of new bioenergetic material cycles.
Linseis technology: solutions for practical applications
Linseis analyzers provide researchers and industry partners with precise tools to:
various sample types (straw, olive leaves, residues) under variable atmosphere and pressure conditions,
specific decomposition kinetics, residual moisture and ash content,
product quality in the production of bioenergy, synthesis gas or platform chemicals.
A practical example: simulated gasification experiments can be used to map large-scale reactor processes on a laboratory scale and optimize them in a targeted manner – for example with regard to energy yield, emissions and product quality [Linseis, 2025].
Norms and standards
Standards such as ASTM E1131 (thermal composition analysis), ASTM E1641 (decomposition kinetics via Ozawa-Flynn-Wall) and E2008 (volatility measurement) are established worldwide. They ensure the comparability and quality of the measurement data and form the basis for the design of sustainable bioenergy projects and the certification of new materials.
Research, trends and outlook
Current trends include the:
Production of hydrogen from residual biomass,
Development of smart bioenergy concepts,
Integration of bioenergy into regional value chains and industrial processes,
Life cycle assessments to evaluate greenhouse gas potential and environmental impacts [Osman et al., 2021][DBFZ, 2025].
International research projects strengthen the competitiveness of biogenic products compared to fossil materials and help to establish new processes and standards.
What distinguishes biomass from fossil fuels?
Biomass comes from renewable resources and contributes to the circular economy, while fossil fuels are based on finite deposits [Osman et al., 2021].
What added value does thermal analysis offer in practice?
It enables precise and reliable quality control, process optimization and the development of new products and processes – from biofuels to innovative material solutions [Barot, 2022][Linseis, 2025].
How sustainable is biomass really?
Sustainability depends on system integration, land use aspects and circular processes. Modern assessments take into account the entire life cycle and environmental impacts [DBFZ, 2025][Mahapatra et al., 2021].
What role does Linseis technology play in the bioeconomy?
Linseis offers advanced tools for the thermal analysis of biogenic raw materials, enabling the development of practical solutions for research, industry and environmental quality assurance [Linseis, 2025].
References:
Ahmed I. Osman, Neha Mehta, Ahmed M. Elgarahy, Amer Al-Hinai, Ala’a H. Al-Muhtaseb & David W. Rooney (2021): Conversion of biomass to biofuels and life cycle assessment: a review. Energy & Environmental Science, Vol. 19, pp. 4075-4118.
Sangita Mahapatra, Dilip Kumar, Brajesh Singh, Pravin Kumar Sachan (2021): Biofuels and their sources of production: A review on cleaner sustainable alternative against conventional fuel, in the framework of the food and energy nexus. Energy Nexus, Vol. 4, 100036.
Dr. Sunita Barot (2022): Biomass and Bioenergy: Resources, Conversion and Application. In: Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth Assessment, Chapter 9.
DBFZ – German Biomass Research Center (2025): System contribution of biomass. Online: www.dbfz.de/forschung
Linseis Messgeräte GmbH (2025): Application reports and technical papers on the thermal analysis of biomass. Online: www.linseis.com/wissen/biomasse/
Berlin.de (2025): Biomass – Statistics on energy use and potential analysis. Online: www.berlin.de/klimaschutz/waermewende/biomasse/
