Characterization of Indian Incense Stick Powders for their Physical, Chemical and Mineralogical Properties

The incense sticks ash composition totally relies on the chemical composition of incense sticks and other incense products. In order to obtain the detailed properties of incense sticks ash, it is important to have detailed chemical, elemental and mineralogical properties of incense stick powders. Though the major chemical composition of most of incense stick powders is common, different brands slightly modify their composition, fragrance etc. Generally, incense stick powders comprises wood chips, fragrance material, coal powder and adhesive material. The chemical composition of incense powder has a role in the final texture, fragrance and properties of incense sticks. The characterization of raw incense stick powders by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDS) revealed that the particles have numerous organic compounds as detected by FTIR. The XRD revealed the amorphous nature of the particles due to the presence of a large number or organic carbon. While FESEM revealed the micron-sized, amorphous and irregular-shaped particles. The information of incense powder will help in the deep insight of incense sticks ash.