Physical and combustion properties of charcoal briquettes from neem wood residues

Abstract

A b s t r a c t. This study examines the effect of binder type and blending ratio on the physical and combustion properties of charcoal briquettes produced from wood residues of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). Wood residues which included slabs, edgings and cut-offs were carbonized using a carbolite furnace, model MTF 12/388. The carbonized sample (charcoal powder) was bonded with gum arabic and cassava starch, and briquettes produced in this way were assessed. The briquettes were also analyzed for volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and heating value. Variation in binder type and blending ratio significantly influenced compressed density and durability rating of the briquettes. Similarly, variations in blending ratio for briquette volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash and heating value were significant (P < 0.05). All the properties investigated showed that gum arabic bonded briquettes have better physical and combustion qualities than starch bonded briquettes. For quality specification, the best gum arabic bonded briquette was obtained when the blending ratio was 10:3 while the best starch bonded briquette was obtained at the blending ratio of 5:1. K e y w o r d s: wood residue, neem, charcoal briquettes, combustion properties, blending ratio