Physico-Mechanical Properties of Briquettes Produced from Heated Sugarcane Straw

Abstract

Pressing time and temperatures are factors that can influence positively briquettes durability characteristics. This work aimed to analyze physical-mechanical characteristics of sugarcane straw briquettes, produced with different pressing times and two briquetting temperatures, 26 degrees C and 100 degrees C. The characterization of the biomass was made through the tests of proximate analysis and higher heating value (HHV). It was used particles smaller than 1.70 mm and moisture content of 11.5%. Four types of briquettes/treatments were prepared with 15 replicates: A (control, 26 degrees C, 30 s), B (100 degrees C, 30 s), C (100 degrees C, 150 s), D (100 degrees C, 300 s). A hydraulic press was used to briquetting and a muffle was used to heating the cylindrical mold. The longitudinal expansion was measured 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after briquetting. Briquette resistance was performed by compression and friability test. The results were 80.87 % for volatiles, 5.41 % for ash content, 13.72 % for fixed carbon and 18360 J.g(-1) for HHV (in natura). The results showed that the use of temperature and the highest pressing time applied in briquetting increase the compressive strength, durability and density of the briquettes. Treatment D showed the greater resistance, apparent density and durability rating, which was 1.246 MPa, 0.979 g/cm(3), 84.41 %, respectively.