Physico-mechanical Properties of Fuel Briquette Made from Raw and Torrefied Neem and Tropical Almond Tree Branches Using Different Organic Binders
S. Namadi *
Department of Physics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
A.O. Musa
Department of Physics, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
U.M. Gana
Department of Physics, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the physico-mechanical properties of briquettes produced from Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) branch residues, processed in both raw and torrefied forms, using cassava starch flour and African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) pulp as binding agents. A total of 36 samples were produced with varying biomass-to-binder ratios and evaluated for their suitability as solid biofuels. Key parameters measured included maximum density, relaxed density, relaxation ratio and density ratio. Additionally, the briquettes were tested for shatter, tumbling and water resistance. The briquettes demonstrate excellent physical and mechanical properties that ensure their reliability as fuels and a good promise of their resilience during transport, storage, and usage.
Keywords: African locust bean pulp, biomass briquette, neem tree, tropical almond tree, torrefaction