Pellets Energéticos a Partir de Biomasa Residual de Bagazo de Caña de Azúcar, Neem, Jatropha e Higuerilla

The residual biomass from both the vegetable oil extraction and the sugarcane industry can be used to develop sustainable energy pellets. The objective of this project was to develop and characterize pellets from sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum L), jatropha (Jatropha curcas L), neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), and Higuerilla seed (Ricinus communis L) biomass wastes. The physical properties of the pellets, moisture, and ashes content, as well as impact resistance, water resistance, and flammability, were determined. The residual biomass pellets of neem and cane bagasse showed higher flammability. The cane bagasse and Higuerilla-neem pellets showed the lowest percentage of ash. All the pellets presented flammability superior to that of the sugarcane bagasse without pelletizing. Unpelletized sugarcane bagasse is currently used as fuel in some sugar industries. Based on the results, the residual biomass from the sugar and oil industry can be used for the development of residual biomass pellets of neem, jatropha, castor, and sugarcane bagasse. The production of energy pellets is accessible, simple, and inexpensive. Furthermore, being a bioenergetic source that allows controlling humidity during the heating process in the boilers during the sugar production processes. Unfortunately, in the Northwest of Mexico, few sugar mills remain active, this has caused job losses.