Physico-mechanical properties of briquettes produced from woody biomass

This study investigates the densification of sawdust from a mahogany tree (Khaya ivorensis) into briquettes for energy applications. The researchers used starch as a binder and four blends of sawdust and starch were prepared with varying proportions of the starch (60 - 75 g) while the mass of sawdust was constant at 60 g. The results showed that the 70 g starch binder briquette had the highest dry density (0.77 g/cm3) and water resistance (33.36%), while the 60 g binder briquette had the highest impact resistance index (250) and drop-to-fracture (15). The 65 g starch binder briquette had the highest compressive strength (519.7 kPa). The dry density and water resistance of briquettes increase with the increase in binder content, while impact resistance decreases. The briquettes can withstand adverse transportation and storage conditions. This research highlights the potential of woody biomass briquettes for energy applications.