The production of bagasse biofuel briquettes and the evaluation of natural binders (LNFC, NFC, and lignin) effects on their technical parameters

This study was carried out in order to assess the fuel briquettes produced from two particle sizes from ground and shredded bagasse. Nano-lignocellulosic binders including nano-lignocellulose, nano-cellu-lose and lignin, were used at 3, 6 and 9 %w/w to improve the mechanical and thermal properties. Briquettes were produced by densification process with a cylinder-piston system at 150 MPa and 100 degrees C. It was found that the nano-lignocellulose and nano-cellulose binders were more effective on the physical and mechanical properties than the lignin binder. Lignin binder, however, showed better thermal properties in the briquettes due to its high calorific value. It was found that at 9% of nano-lignocellulose, the compressive strength, the calorific value, fixed carbon, volatile matters and ash for shredded bagasse briquettes were 34 N mm, 29 Mj/Kg, 14.49%, 72.19% and 4% as well as for ground bagasse briquettes were 29.45 N mm, 19.85 Mj/Kg, 13.81%, 72.57% and 7% respectively. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of fuel briquettes produced from ground and shredded bagasse with different particle sizes. The use of nano-lignocellulosic binders improved the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the briquettes. It was found that at 9% nano-lignocellulose content, shredded bagasse briquettes had higher calorific value and compressive strength.