Assessment of physical and energetic characteristics of pellets produced from Elaeis guineensis shells, Cocos nucifera fibers and Distemonanthus benthamianus sawdust

Abstract This study seeks to examine the sustainable energy valorisation of three Cameroonian biomass residues—palm nut (Elaeis guineensis) shells, coconut (Cocos nucifera) fibres, and movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus) sawdust—via pelletisation. The raw materials were first dried, milled, and sieved, then formulated into pellets without any binders. Key physical and thermal characteristics, including moisture content, higher calorific value (HCV), volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon, were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), was applied to assess thermal behaviour. The principal results indicate that palm nut shells showed the highest calorific value (18.89 MJ/kg), whereas coconut fibres presented the lowest (16.43 MJ/kg). Among the mixtures, pellets containing 10% fibres, 30% movingui sawdust, and 60% palm nut shells (10F30M60C) displayed the greatest energy potential, with an HCV of 25.07 MJ/kg and a fixed carbon content of 24.94%. TGA profiles indicated that blended pellets decomposed over a broader temperature interval (200°C–565°C), reflecting enhanced thermal stability relative to unblended residues. The findings indicate that these biomass combinations may represent viable alternatives to firewood and fossil fuels for domestic heating, as their characteristics closely align with international references. This study contributes to sustainable biomass utilisation strategies and reinforces energy diversification efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Agroforestry residues, Biomass pellets, calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis