Combustion and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Briquettes Produced from Cassava and Potato Peels Using Starch Binder

Abstract

This study focused on examining the burning efficiency of the briquettes produced from the use of agricultural biomass residues: cassava and potato peels, as an alternative to wood briquettes. Biomass collected was sun-dried and mixed at different ratios, following this order: cassava to potatoes to starch and the samples were A (70:30:10), B (50:50:10), C (30:70:10), D (70:30:20), E(50:50:20) and F(30:70:20);briquettes was produced using 75.66mm molds and compressed by a 5-ton hydraulic jack at a pressure of 2.4 MPa. Both the combustion and physico-mechanical properties of the briquettes were determined. The burning rate of the briquettes produced ranged between 4.93 g/min -7.87 g/min. Results from the study showed that briquette A (70:30:10) and B (50:50:10) had high burning rate of 7.87g/min and 7.29 g/min respectively while Briquette C(30:70:10) and F(30:70:20) had low burning rates (5.03 g/min and 4.93 g/min respectively) which may be attributed to differences in density. Briquette F (30:70:20) had the highest ignition time (120secs) and water boiling time (21.47 mins) but the lowest burning rate. Samples E (50:50:20) and F (30:70:20) had higher heating values (29236.17 kJ/kg and 29451.63 kJ/kg) than others. The fixed carbon composition of the produced briquettes ranged from 10.01% to 28.00%. The porosity of the produced briquette varied from 29.83% to 56.55%. The volatile matter for these briquettes ranged from 56.67% to 75.33%, with briquette C having the highest value. The highest value of ash content was found in the feedstock ratio 70:30:10 and the lowest in the feedstock ratio 30:70:20, with the least tendency to slagging. Results obtained from the physico-mechanical and combustion properties of briquettes produced from the agricultural residues used in this study show that these briquettes exhibit potential as they meet the required standards and can be maximized as sources of solid biofuels for both domestic and commercial applications.