Statistical optimization of the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes of celba pentandra sawdust and agricutural residue
Statistical optimization of the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes of celba pentandra sawdust and agricutural residue
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Date
0202
Authors
Afrifah, Kojo Agyapong
Asiedu-Agyei, Ebenezer Oku-Ampofo
Mitchual, Stephen Jobson
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
PRO LIGNO
Abstract
Utilization of biomass residue from agricultural and sawmilling activities for energy would reduce the
pressure on forest stands. This study characterized briquettes made of Ceiba pentandra sawdust, oil palm
empty fruit bunch, and sugarcane peels at varying compacting pressures as alternative sources of energy.
Using two level factorial design analyses, statistical models describing the relationships between material
compositions of the briquettes and their physical and mechanical properties such as shatter index, impact
resistance index, compressive strength in cleft and relaxed density were derived. Combinations of pressure
and materials for manufacturing briquettes with standard physical and mechanical properties were also
determined using numerical optimization. Generally, increasing the compacting pressure improved the
physical and mechanical properties of the briquettes. Oil palm empty fruit bunch content impacted negatively
on all the properties. Contrastingly, Sugarcane peels and Ceiba pentandra sawdust had a strong positive
effect on most of the physical and mechanical properties. All the briquettes were durable recording an
average of 98% shatter resistivity. The optimization results generated briquettes with standard shatter index
(98 %), impact resistance index (117.08 – 239.25 %), compressive strength in cleft (20 N/mm), and relaxed
density (363.23 – 504.75 kg/m3
) suitable for packaging, transportation, storage, and domestic utilization.
Generally, this study indicates that briquettes with good physical and mechanical properties can be produced
from Ceiba pentandra sawdust, oil palm empty fruit bunch, and sugarcane peels at low compacting pressure.
Additionally, briquettes with specific desired attributes could be produced by varying the compositions of the
materials and compacting pressure.
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Citation
AFRIFAH, K. A., ASIEDU-AGYEI, E. O. A., & MITCHUAL, S. J. (2020). Statistical optimization of the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes of Ceiba pentandra sawdust and agricultural residue. Pro Ligno, 16(4), 46-60.