Properties of briquettes from a mixture of cassava rhizomes and glycerin

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the effects of the mixing ratio between cassava rhizome charcoal powder and glycerin, and the compression pressure, on the physical and thermal properties of charcoal briquettes. Two factors were studied: the mixing ratios of cassava rhizome charcoal powder to glycerin (100:0, 80:20, 75:25, and 70:30) and compression pressures of 120, 150, and 180 kg/cm². The analyzed properties included physical characteristics, moisture content, density, compressive strength, and heating value. The results indicated that the 70:30 ratio at a compression pressure of 180 kg/cm² provided the highest heating value of 6,164 cal/g. In contrast, the 100:0 ratio at 180 kg/cm² exhibited the highest compressive strength of 9.96 kg/cm² (at a 95% confidence level). Increasing the glycerin content enhanced the heating value and density but reduced the mechanical strength of the briquettes. A compression pressure of 150 kg/cm² produced briquettes with the most desirable overall physical characteristics. The physical properties complied with the requirements of CPS 238/2547 and DIN EN ISO 17225-3 standards. Moreover, the produced briquettes had low moisture content within the limits specified by ISO 17225-1:2021 and CPS 238/2547. The findings demonstrate that an appropriate mixing ratio combined with a suitable compression pressure is crucial for producing high-quality biomass charcoal briquettes that meet international standards.