Biomass Carbonization, Briquetting and Briquette Characterization: A Review

Briquetting is a contemporary means of converting waste biomass into a high calorific value solid fuel through densification of biomass-binder mixture. The process of briquetting is carried out in different ways depending on the type of biomass, binder or desired properties of the briquettes, the economic value and heating efficiency of the biomass as a fuel. This review paper aims at demonstrating the research achievements attained so far in the use of various forms and sources of biomass, the different binders and binder formulations, biomass carbonization, briquetting techniques and the characterization methods used to study the qualities of briquets. The future of biomass recycling to solve world energy crisis is a topical issue. Conversion of biomass into fuel briquettes can be a sustainable endeavour if research directs its focus on availability and renewable nature of raw materials given the seasonal nature of some types of biomass and binders.