Cardboard/sawdust briquettes as biomass fuel: Physical–mechanical and thermal characteristics.

This paper elaborates experimental analysis of cardboard/sawdust briquettes as a viable option for biomass fuel. Physical–mechanical and thermal characteristics of cardboard/sawdust briquettes were investigated. The influence of the main parameters on heating content was also examined through an ANOVA and regression analysis, i.e. pressure influence (that was applied in a punch-and-die process), cardboard/sawdust ratio influence and finally drying temperature influence. In order to find the maximum heating value, minimum ash content and maximum compressive strength optimization were done. The optimal values obtained for the studied briquetting process parameters are a compression force of 588.6 kN, a sawdust mass of 46.66% and a drying temperature of 22 °C. According to the mathematical model obtained, these optimal values give a maximum higher heating value of 17.41 MJ/kg, a minimum ash content of 6.62% and a maximum compressive strength of 149.54 N/mm. Finally, Cardboard/sawdust briquettes showed potential for application as viable biomass fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]