Potential of kraft lignin as an additive in briquette production

Lignin, a renewable product with high potential for various applications, can be recovered from kraft black liquor by precipitation in acid medium. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of kraft lignin to wood biomass on the properties of briquettes. Hymenolobium petraeum, Eucalyptus, and Pinus biomasses received the addition of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 % (w/w) of kraft lignin, and briquettes were manufactured. Wood biomasses and briquettes were characterized chemically and physically. Addition of kraft lignin positively influenced the apparent density, energy density, and mechanical resistance of briquettes. Furthermore, kraft lignin increased the calorific value of briquettes. Addition of 6 % (w/w) of kraft lignin was sufficient to improve the quality properties of briquettes, which demonstrates the great potential of kraft lignin as an additive in briquette production.