Composition‐dependent thermo‐physical and combustion characteristics of corncob–Imperata cylindrica biomass briquettes

Abstract Biomass briquetting provides a practical approach for converting agricultural residues into renewable solid fuels; however, the influence of feedstock composition on multiple interrelated fuel properties remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the effect of corncob– Imperata cylindrica leaf composition on the thermo‐physical and combustion characteristics of biomass briquettes. Briquettes were prepared at seven mixing ratio (dry‐weight basis) of 0:50, 10:40, 20:30, 25:25, 30:20, 40:10, and 50:0 based on the dry weight of the biomass components. Bulk density, moisture content, calorific value, burning rate, and ash content were evaluated under controlled experimental conditions. Increasing the corncob proportion progressively decreased bulk density from 271 to 245 kg/m 3 and moisture content from 5.71% to 2.89%, while burning rate increased from 3.232 to 4.879 g/min and ash content increased from 4.82% to 8.11%. Calorific value exhibited a non‐linear trend, increasing from 3537.49 cal/g at 0:50 to a maximum measured value of 4412.25 cal/g at 40:10, before decreasing slightly to 4321.55 cal/g at 50:0. Carbon analysis of the 40:10 briquette showed 34.97 wt % total carbon, predominantly organic carbon. Overall, biomass composition strongly influenced the structural, energy, and combustion characteristics of the briquettes, demonstrating the potential of corncob– I. cylindrica mixtures for agricultural residue valorization and renewable solid fuel applications.