skip to main content

Combustion, Physical, and Mechanical Characterization of Composites Fuel Briquettes from Carbonized Banana Stalk and Corncob

1Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa

2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

3Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

4 Directorate, Pan African University for Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria

View all affiliations
Received: 9 Sep 2021; Revised: 28 Dec 2021; Accepted: 17 Jan 2022; Available online: 30 Jan 2022; Published: 5 May 2022.
Editor(s): H. Hadiyanto
Open Access Copyright (c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Citation Format:
Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that consumption of fossil fuels and their products has contributed about 65% of the global greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, it is expedient to look for alternative energy sources for an eco-friendly environment. The EPA recommended using biomass energy as a promising stabilization option to alleviate global climate change.  This study focused on developing composites fuel briquettes from a blend of carbonized corncob and banana stalk. Carbonization was carried out at 380 oC, while 60 min was adopted as the residence time. Briquettes were manufactured at different blending ratios (90CC:10BS, 80CC:20BS, 70CC:30BS, 60CC:40BS and 50CC:50BS of corncob: banana stalk, respectively) and compaction pressures (50, 70 and 90 kPa) using gelatinized starch as binder. The manufactured briquettes' calculated and actual calorific values varied between 18.98-22.07 MJ/kg and 20.22-23.12 MJ/kg, respectively, while shatter indices were in the range of 38.22-89.34%. The compressed and relaxed densities of the fuel briquettes were in the range of 0.32-1.39 g/cm3 and 0.22-1.02 g/cm3, respectively. The relaxation ratio and water resistance properties varied between 1.11- 2.21 and 11-23 min, respectively. Analyses of the results revealed that compaction pressure, blending ratio, and particle size substantially affect the combustion and physico-mechanical characteristics of the manufactured fuel briquettes. When optimum combustion and physico-mechanical properties are required, a sample made from 90CC:10BS (S1) is recommended for use. The fuel briquettes manufactured in this study possess the required thermal and physico-mechanical properties of solid fuel; therefore, it is recommended for different applications.
Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: Briquette; Carbonization; Physico-mechanical property; Thermal property; Corncob; Banana stalk

Article Metrics:

  1. Adeleke, A. A., Odusote, J. K., Ikubanni, P. P., Lasode, O. A., Malathi, M., & Paswan, D. (2020). The ignitability, fuel ratio, and ash fusion temperatures of torrefied woody biomass. Heliyon, 6(November 2019), e03582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03582
  2. Adeleke, A. A., Odusote, J. K., Lasode, O. A., Ikubanni, P. P., Malathi, M., & Paswan, D. (2019). Mild pyrolytic treatment of Gmelina Arborea for optimum energetic yields. Cogent Engineering: Materials Engineering, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2019.1593073
  3. Afsal, A., David, R., Baiju, V., Suhail, N. M., Parvathy, U., & Rakhi, R. B. (2020). Experimental investigations on combustion characteristics of fuel briquettes made from vegetable market waste and sawdust. Materials Today: Proceedings, 33, 3826–3831. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.222
  4. Ajimotokan, H. A., Ehindero, A. O., Ajao, K. S., Adeleke, A. A., & Ikubanni, P. P. (2019). Combustion characteristics of fuel briquettes made from charcoal particles and sawdust agglomerates. Scientific African, 6, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00202
  5. Ajimotokan, H. A., Ibitoye, S. E., Odusote, J. K., Adesoye, O. A., & Omoniyi, P. O. (2019a). Physico-Mechanical Characterisation of Fuel Briquettes made from Blends of Corncob and Rice Husk. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1378 02200, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1378/2/022008
  6. Ajimotokan, H. A., Ibitoye, S. E., Odusote, J. K., Adesoye, O. A., & Omoniyi, P. O. (2019b). Physico-mechanical Properties of Composite Briquettes from Corncob and Rice. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 4(3), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.12162/jbb.v4i3.004
  7. Ajobo, J. A. (2014). Densification characteristics of groundnut shells. International Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Technology, 2(1), 150–154
  8. Andini, A., Bonnet, S., Rousset, P., Patumsawad, S., & Pattiya, A. (2018). Torrefaction study of Indonesian crop residues subject to open burning. 7th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environment: Technology & Innovation for Global Energy Revolution, (November), 28–31
  9. Antwi-Boasiako, C., & Acheampong, B. B. (2016). Strength properties and calorific values of sawdust-briquettes as wood-residue energy generation source from tropical hardwoods of different densities. Biomass and Bioenergy, 85, 144–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.12.006
  10. ASTM D2166-85. (2008). Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength. Retrieved from ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA website: www.astm.org
  11. ASTM D5373-16. (2016). Standard Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen in Analysis Samples of Coal and Carbon in Analysis Samples of Coal and Coke. Retrieved from ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA website: www.astm.org
  12. ASTM D5865-04. (2004). Standard Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA website: www.astm.org
  13. ASTM D7582-15. (2015). Standard Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA
  14. Atan, N. A., Nazari, M. M., & Azizan, F. A. (2018). Effect of torrefaction pretreatment on physical and combustion characteristics of biomass composite briquette from rice husk and banana residue. MATEC Web of Conferences 150, 150
  15. Basu, P. (2013). Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis, and Torrefaction: Practical Design and Theory (2nd ed.). Elsevier Inc
  16. Bhakta, H., Sarmah, A. K., & Dubey, B. (2020). Hydrothermal carbonization of renewable waste biomass for solid biofuel production: A discussion on process mechanism, the influence of process parameters, environmental performance, and fuel properties of hydrochar. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 123, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109761
  17. Brachi, P., Chirone, R., Miccio, M., & Ruoppolo, G. (2019). Fluidized bed torrefaction of biomass pellets : A comparison between oxidative and inert atmosphere. Powder Technology, 357, 97–107
  18. Chaloupkova, V., Ivanova, T., & Havrland, B. (2016). Sieve analysis of biomass: an accurate method for determination of particle size distribution. Engineering for Rural Development, 25, 1012–1017
  19. Chen, W., Peng, J., & Bi, X. T. (2015). A state-of-the-art review of biomass torrefaction, densification, and applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 44, 847–866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.12.039
  20. Cheol, K., Kim, J., Yong, S., Jun, S., Hoon, L., Geon, C., … Hyun, D. (2021). Development and validation of torrefaction optimization model applied element content prediction of biomass. Energy, 214, 1–11. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119027
  21. Cong, H., Yao, Z., & Zhao, L. (2021). Co-combustion, co-densification, and pollutant emission characteristics of charcoal-based briquettes prepared using bio-tar as a binder. Fuel, 287(August 2020), 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.119512
  22. Demirbaş, A. (1999). Physical properties of briquettes from waste paper and wheat straw mixtures. Energy Conversion and Management, 40(4), 437–445
  23. Espuelas, S., Marcelino, S., Echeverría, A. M., Castillo, J. M., & Seco, A. (2020). Low energy spent coffee grounds briquetting with organic binders for biomass fuel manufacturing. Fuel, 278, 1–8
  24. Gil, M., Teruel, E., & Arauzo, I. (2014). Analysis of standard sieving method for milled biomass through image processing. Effects of particle shape and size for poplar and corn stover. Fuel, 116, 328–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2013.08.011
  25. Goulart, B., & Maia, D. O. (2013). Use of Banana Culture Waste to Produce Briquettes. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 32, 349–354
  26. Hu, X., Liu, Y., Zhao, Z., Liu, J., & Yang, X. (2021). Real-time detection of uneaten feed pellets in underwater images for aquaculture using an improved YOLO-V4 network. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 185(September 2020), 106135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2021.106135
  27. Ibitoye, S E. (2018). M.Eng Thesis: Production and characterisation of fuel briquettes made from a blend of corncob and rice husk. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin
  28. Ibitoye, Segun E., Jen, T. C., Mahamood, R. M., & Akinlabi, E. T. (2021a). Densification of agro-residues for sustainable energy generation: an overview. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 8(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-021-00427-w
  29. Ibitoye, Segun E, Jen, T-C., Mahamood, R. M., & Akinlabi, E. T. (2021). Generation of Sustainable Energy from Agro-Residues through Thermal Pretreatment for Developing Nations : A Review. Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research, 2100107, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/aesr.202100107
  30. Ibitoye, S. E., Jen, T-C., Mahamood, R. M., & Akinlabi, E. T. (2021b). Improving the Combustion Properties of Corncob Biomass via Torrefaction for Solid Fuel Applications. Journal of Composite Science, 5(10), 1–15
  31. Ikubanni, P. P., Tobiloba, O., Wallace, O., Oluwatoba, O., & Adeleke, A. A. (2019). Performance Evaluation of Briquette Produced from a Designed and Fabricated Piston-Type Briquetting Machine. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 12(8), 1227–1238
  32. Kluska, J., Ochnio, M., & Kardas, D. (2020). Carbonization of corncobs for the preparation of barbecue charcoal and combustion characteristics of corncob char. Waste Management, 105, 560–565
  33. Kongto, P., Palamanit, A., Chaiprapat, S., & Tippayawong, N. (2021). Enhancing the fuel properties of rubberwood biomass by moving bed torrefaction process for further applications. Renewable Energy, RENE 14903, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.02.012
  34. Kpalo, S. Y., Zainuddin, M. F., Manaf, L. A., & Roslan, A. M. (2020). Production and characterization of hybrid briquettes from corncobs and oil palm trunk bark under a low pressure densification technique. Sustainability, 12(6), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062468
  35. Lisseth, C., Martinez, M., Sermyagina, E., Saari, J., Silva, M., Jesus, D., … Vakkilainen, E. (2021). Hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic agro-forest based biomass residues. Biomass and Bioenergy, 147, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2021.106004
  36. Liu, Z., Niu, W., Chu, H., Zhou, T., & Niu, Z. (2018). Effect of the Carbonization Temperature on the Properties of Biochar Produced from the Pyrolysis of Crop Residues. BioResources, 13(2), 3429–3446. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.13.2.3429-3446
  37. Lubwama, M., Andrew, V., Muhairwe, F., & Kihedu, J. (2020). Physical and combustion properties of agricultural residue bio-char bio-composite briquettes as sustainable domestic energy sources. Renewable Energy, 148, 1002–1016. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.10.085
  38. Mcnamee, P. (2016). Torrefied Biomass for Large-Scale Electricity Generation. Ph.D. Thesis: School of Chemical and Process Engineering, The University of Leeds, 1–293
  39. Mitchell, E. J. S., Gudka, B., Whittaker, C., Shield, I., Price-allison, A., Maxwell, D., & Jones, J. M. (2020). The use of agricultural residues, wood briquettes and logs for small-scale domestic heating. Fuel Processing Technology, 210, 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2020.106552
  40. Mu, M., Chilton, A. M., & Cant, Y. (2020). Assessing the viability of cyanobacteria pellets for application in arid land restoration. Journal of Environmental Management, 270(May), 1–7. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110795
  41. Odusote, J K, & Muraina, H. O. (2017). Mechanical and combustion characteristics of oil palm biomass fuel briquette. Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(1), 14–29
  42. Odusote, Jamiu Kolawole, Adeleke, A. A., Lasode, O. A., & Malathi, M. (2019). Thermal and compositional properties of treated Tectona grandis. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, March, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00398-1
  43. Ogunjobi, J. K., & Lajide, L. (2013). Characterization of Bio-Oil and Bio-Char from Slow-Pyrolysed Nigerian Yellow and White Corn Cobs. Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environment, 4(May 2014), 77–84
  44. Oladeji, J. ., Balogun, A. O., & Adetola, S. O. (2016). Characterization of Briquettes Produced From Corn Cobs and Corn Stalks. Computing, Information Systems, Development Informatics & Allied Research Journal, 7(2), 65–72
  45. Oladeji, J. T. (2013). Comparative Briquetting Of Residues From Corncob, Groundnut Shell And Their Mixture. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 2(7), 2704–2710
  46. Pradhan, P., Mahajani, S. M., & Arora, A. (2021). Pilot-scale production of fuel pellets from waste biomass leaves effect of milling size on pelletization process and pellet quality. Fuel, 285, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.119145
  47. Rabiu, A. B., Lasode, O. A., Popoola, O. T., Babatunde, O. P., & Ajimotokan, H. A. (2019). Densification of Tropical Wood Residues for the Development of Solid Fuels. The IAFOR International Conference on Sustainability, Energy & the Environment, Hawaii 2019, 1–11
  48. Ralf, G., Leahy, J. J., Timko, M. T., & Trubetskaya, A. (2020). Hydrothermal carbonization of olive wastes to produce renewable, binder-free pellets for use as metallurgical reducing agents. Renewable Energy, 155, 347–357
  49. Ribas, E., Fernandes, K., Marangoni, C., Souza, O., & Sellin, N. (2013). Thermochemical characterization of banana leaves as a potential energy source. Energy Conversion and Management, 75, 603–608
  50. Riva, L., Wang, L., Ravenni, G., Bartocci, P., Videm, T., Skreiberg, Ø., … Kofoed, H. (2021). Considerations on factors affecting biochar densification behavior based on a multiparameter model. Energy, 221, 1–13
  51. Sellin, N., Ricardo, D., Marangoni, C., & Souza, O. (2016). Oxidative fast pyrolysis of banana leaves in fluidized bed reactor. Renewable Energy, 96, 56–64. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2016.04.032
  52. Severy, M. A., Chamberlin, C. E., Eggink, A. J., & Jacobson, A. E. (2018). Demonstration of a Pilot-Scale Plant for Biomass Torrefaction and Briquetting. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 34(1), 85–98. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.12376
  53. Shariff, A., Syairah, N., Aziz, M., Ismail, N. I., & Abdullah, N. (2016). Corn Cob as a Potential Feedstock for Slow Pyrolysis of Biomass. Journal of Physical Science, 27(2), 123–137. https://doi.org/10.21315/jps2016.27.2.9
  54. Siqueira, J. De, Peixoto, P., Cássia, A., Carneiro, D. O., Ferreira, J., Magno, M., … Lúcia, M. (2021). Hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae biomass produced in agro-industrial effluent: Products, characterization, and applications. Science of the Total Environment, 768, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144480
  55. Song, B., Cooke-willis, M., Theobald, B., & Hall, P. (2021). Producing a high heating value and weather resistant solid fuel via briquetting of blended wood residues and thermoplastics. Fuel, 283, 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.119263
  56. Supatata, N., Buates, J., & Hariyanont, P. (2017). Characterization of Fuel Briquettes Made from Sewage Sludge Mixed with Water Hyacinth and Sewage Sludge Mixed with Sedge. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 4(2), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.7763/IJESD.2013.V4.330
  57. Takada, M., Niu, R., Minami, E., & Saka, S. (2018). Biomass and Bioenergy Characterization of three tissue fractions in corn ( Zea mays ) cob. Biomass and Bioenergy, 115, 130–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2018.04.023
  58. Thulu, F. G. D., Kachaje, O., & Mlowa, T. (2016). A Study of Combustion Characteristics of Fuel Briquettes from a Blend of Banana Peelings and Saw Dust in Malawi. International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations, 4(3), 135–158
  59. Yang, I., Cooke-willis, M., Song, B., & Hall, P. (2021). Densification of torrefied Pinus radiata sawdust as a solid biofuel: Effect of key variables on the durability and hydrophobicity of briquettes. Fuel Processing Technology, 214, 1–9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2020.106719
  60. Zhai, Y., Wang, T., Zhu, Y., Peng, C., Wang, B., Li, X., … Zeng, G. (2018). Production of fuel pellets via hydrothermal carbonization of food waste using molasses as a binder. Waste Management, 77, 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.05.022

Last update:

  1. Design and fabrication of biomass densification machine for teaching and research purposes

    Segun E. Ibitoye, Rasheedat M. Mahamood, Tien-Chien Jen, Chanchal Loha, Esther T. Akinlabi. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14 (19), 2024. doi: 10.1007/s13399-023-04455-8
  2. Solid waste management by RDF production from landfilled waste to renewable fuel of Nonthaburi

    Udorn Rahotharn, Maneerat Khemkhao, Prangtip Rittichote Kaewpengkrow. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 12 (5), 2023. doi: 10.14710/ijred.2023.52956
  3. Effect of the non-uniform combustion core shape on the biochar production characteristics of the household biomass gasifier stove

    Somchet Chaiyalap, Ritthikrai Chai-ngam, Juthaporn Saengprajak, Jenjira Piamdee, Apipong Putkham, Arnusorn Saengprajak. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 12 (6), 2023. doi: 10.14710/ijred.2023.56575
  4. Development of a Multiple-Piston Hydraulic Briquetting Press HBP and Characterization of Newsprint Briquettes Produced

    Bello Raphael Segun, Olorunnisola Abel Olajide, Omoniyi Emmanuel Temidayo, Onilude Ademuiwa Musiliu. Trends in Agricultural Sciences, 2 (2), 2023. doi: 10.17311/tas.2023.169.188
  5. Effect of densification process parameters on the physico-mechanical properties of composite briquettes of corncob and rice husk

    Segun E. Ibitoye, Habeeb A. Ajimotokan, Adekunle A. Adeleke, Chanchal Loha. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.08.253
  6. The characteristics and emissions of low-pressure densified torrefied elephant dung fuel briquette

    Artidtaya Mainkaew, Sommas Kaewluan, Adisak Pattiya, Surachai Narrat Jansri. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 12 (4), 2023. doi: 10.14710/ijred.2023.53986
  7. Valorization and optimization of Prosopis africana pod and cowpea husk wastes for densified hybrid briquette production

    Chidiebele Uzoagba, Michael Mozie, Abdulhakeem Bello, Rejoice N. Ossei-Bremang, Edmund Okoroigwe, Marzieh Kadivar, Fayen Odette Ngasoh, Vitalis O. Anye, Francis Kemausuor, Peter Azikiwe Onwualu. Biofuels, 2024. doi: 10.1080/17597269.2024.2414150
  8. A review of progress on torrefaction, pyrolysis and briquetting of banana plant wastes for biofuels

    Emmanuel Menya, Collins Okello, Henning Storz, Joel Wakatuntu, Medard Turyasingura, David K. Okot, Simon Kizito, Allan John Komakech, Isa Kabenge, Samson Rwahwire, Peter Wilberforce Olupot. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2024. doi: 10.1007/s13399-024-06204-x
  9. An overview of biomass solid fuels: Biomass sources, processing methods, and morphological and microstructural properties

    Segun E. Ibitoye, Rasheedat M. Mahamood, Tien-Chien Jen, Chanchal Loha, Esther T. Akinlabi. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 8 (4), 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2023.09.005
  10. Proceedings of the 6th FIRST 2022 International Conference (FIRST-ESCSI 2022)

    Suroso Suroso, Irawan Hadi, Raisha Anjani. Atlantis Highlights in Engineering, 14 , 2023. doi: 10.2991/978-94-6463-118-0_40
  11. A comprehensive review on the technical aspects of biomass briquetting

    S. U. Yunusa, E. Mensah, K. Preko, S. Narra, A. Saleh, Safietou Sanfo. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14 (18), 2024. doi: 10.1007/s13399-023-04387-3
  12. An overview of biochar production techniques and application in iron and steel industries

    Segun E. Ibitoye, Chanchal Loha, Rasheedat M. Mahamood, Tien-Chien Jen, Meraj Alam, Ishita Sarkar, Partha Das, Esther T. Akinlabi. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 11 (1), 2024. doi: 10.1186/s40643-024-00779-z
  13. Unlocking renewable fuel: Charcoal briquettes production from agro-industrial waste with cassava industrial binders

    Siwakorn Nonsawang, Suchat Juntahum, Pasawat Sanchumpu, Wiriya Suaili, Kritsadang Senawong, Kittipong Laloon. Energy Reports, 12 , 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.10.053

Last update: 2024-11-18 04:39:06

No citation recorded.