Production of bagasse biofuel briquettes reinforced by nanocellulose and nanolignocellulose binders

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph. D. Student, Pulp and Paper Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

2 Assoc. Prof., Pulp and Paper Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Converting biomass waste such as bagasse as an abundant lignocellulosic resource available for producing biofuels can be a viable alternative to fossil fuel and environmental pollutants. The purpose of the present study was to produce biofuel briquettes from two dimensional classes of shredded bagasse and grinded bagasse. Nanometer lignocellulose binders including nanolignocellulose (LCNF) and nanocellulose (CNF) at three levels of 3, 6 and 9% were used to enhance and improve the thermal and technical parameters. The briquettes were produced by cylinder and piston press at 150 MPa and 100 °C. The results showed a positive effect of nanometer lignocellulosic binders on the thermal and strength properties. Thus, nano-lignocellulose was more effective on the physical and mechanical properties of nanocellulose binder in both dimensional classes. Also, in terms of thermal properties of nano-lignocellulose binder, better results were obtained in biofuel briquettes. Consequently, nanolignocellulose may be a more suitable binder, since its production costs are lower than nanocellulose and the calorific value of briquette is higher due to the low lignin content in the compound. As a result, at 9% level of usage, calorific value and compressive strength of shredded and grinded bagasse were 34.37 N.mm, 19.85 MJ/Kg and 19.85 Nmm 29.45 MJ/Kg, respectively.

Keywords


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