Analysis of Briquettes and Pellets Obtained from Two Types of Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa and Paulownia elongata) Sawdust

Sawdust specimens of two Paulownia species, namely Paulownia tomentosa and Paulownia elongata, were evaluated in order to obtain briquettes and pellets. Briquettes and pellets were manufactured from the sawdust, and their physical properties (density), mechanical properties (the resistance of the briquettes to breaking, and the shear resistance of the pellets), and energetic properties (caloric value, black ash content, and calcined ash content) were determined. The densities of the P. elongata and P. tomentosa briquettes were 790 kg/m3 and 934 kg/m3, respectively, while the pellets had densities of 1268 kg/m3 and 1266 kg/m3, respectively. These values were within the standardized limits, and the ash content had good values. The high calorific value of 16815 kJ/kg and the low calorific value of 16669 kJ/kg was acceptable, since they were greater than other vegetable resources. In conclusion, it was found that the two types of wood biomass are suitable for the production of briquettes and pellets, due to their good physical, mechanical, and energetic properties. Superscript/Subscript Available

Automated summary

The study showed that sawdust from Paulownia tomentosa and Paulownia elongata can be used to produce briquettes and pellets with good physical, mechanical, and energetic properties. The densities and calorific values of the products were within acceptable limits, making them suitable alternatives to other vegetable resources.