Effects of pressure densification on strength and properties of cassava waste briquettes

Abstract

Cassava waste has the potential to be used as an energy source. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pressure densification on the properties of cassava residue briquettes, especially on the strength of the briquettes. It was used three compaction pressures: 102, 153, and 204 MP A and three pressing hold times: without holding pressure time, 60s, and 120 s, to produce briquettes without heating and verify their formation concerning the compaction. The proximate analysis provided 72.50% to volatile, 13.10% to Fixed carbon, and 14.45% to ash; the higher heating value (HHV) was 17.12 MJ/kg. The cassava rhizome waste (bulk density) showed an energy density of 2.04 GJ/m3. With densification, it obtained an energy density of 15.7 GJ/m3, representing an increase of up to 7.7 times. We obtained higher durability (94,1%) for time pressing of 120s and pressure of 204 MP A. The briquette volumetric stabilization occurred 24 h after production, and we observed that the briquettes produced with a higher compaction pressure showed greater density and resistance. Cassava rhizome biomass showed good energy properties. The densification process can be an alternative to solving transportation, handling, and cassava rhizome residues.