Browsing by Author "ANTWI, Kwaku"

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Combustion, Physical And Mechanical Characteristics Of Briquettes Produced From Coconut Residues By Three Companies In Ghana
(2024) TETTEH, Clara Lily Korkor; ANTWI, Kwaku; DONKOR, Mark Bright; ZAKARIA, Joseph
Converting biomass into a product that can be utilised efficiently for energy production is vital for its proper use. During briquetting, agricultural waste is turned into a product that is easily transportable, easy to handle, and easy to handle, as well as solid blocks that are more beneficial than raw biomass. Because of their makeup and natural differences, it is essential to be aware of the ideal techniques that must be adopted for more durable and lasting fuel from individual biomass compacted into briquettes. The physical, mechanical, and combustion characteristics of the bio-briquettes samples were examined in this study. The moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, density, ash content, calorific value, and compressive strength were analysed with existing standards and compared with the values from the other studies. Results revealed that the briquettes samples have a mean value of moisture content (7.02 - 8.76%), volatile matter (46.11- 61:03%), fixed carbon (41.64 - 26.26%), briquette density (1.16 -1.33g/cm³) ash content (55 - 63.8%), calorific value (22.35 - 21.45MJ/kg) and compressive strength in cleft (0.43-1.25N/mm²)-suitable for domestic use, packaging, storage and transportation. This study has revealed that durable and quality briquettes can be achieved with better combustion, physical and mechanical properties can be produced with coconut husk and shell with cassava starch as a binder and can serve as another way of accessing energy and controlling waste.
Determination Of Anatomical Features, Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Cashew Wood (Anacardium Occidentale L) From Semi Deciduous Forest, Ghana
(2024) ASARE, Frederick Kwadwo; ANTWI, Kwaku; BIH, Francis Kofi
This study investigates the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of cashew wood (Anacardium occidentale) sourced from a semi-deciduous forest in Ghana, addressing its potential as an alternative to threatened tropical hardwoods. Wood remains a crucial material for construction and furniture due to its versatility and sustainability. The research focuses on the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties of A. occidentale to assess its potential for various applications, in the context of challenges regarding the raw material scarcity and ecosystem degradation. The study is based on a destructive testing method on two mature trees, revealing significant fibre characteristics and mechanical properties variations between trees. Results indicated that, the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties revealed significant variations between tree 1 and tree 2, underscoring the species' versatility for interior design applications, emphasising the need for sustainable forestry practices.
Natural durability of Acacia mangium wood
(2024) OLAGA, Thomas Tetteh; ANTWI, Kwaku; BIH, Francis Kofi; DONKOR, Mark Bright
Expanding the base of wood resources, adoption, and effective use of wood species depend primarily on the knowledge of the properties of the wood and the source from which the wood was obtained. The Acacia mangium wood, whose natural durability was determined to establish its practical uses, was extracted from Ada Technical Institute's compound in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study adopted an experimental research design. The natural durability test was done using the accelerated laboratory method based on standard. Seventy-two (72) samples were taken from the six billets (base, middle, and top). The analyses were carried out within each section, established from portions of the trees close to the pith or cascade. The resistance values indicated that the wood studied has a high resistance to rot. In this way, this wood can be used for various uses that require high resistance to interference, such as using parts in direct contact with the ground.