Physical characteristics of maize cob briquette under moderate die pressure

Abstract

The potential energy content of maize cob available in Thailand was calculated based on maize productivity, the residue-to-product ratio and the heating value of maize cob. It was found that the computed value was about 74.2 PJ/year. Besides, the potential energy value exceed 1,000 TJ/ year was also reported for the case of five provinces of Thailand. Concerning with maize cob briquette, the effect of molasses binder ratio and briquetting pressure on briquette density was experimentally investigated. It was found that the density of the briquettes was strongly influenced by the two factors. Moreover, a relationship between these factors over the studied range was also developed and validated. Thermogravimetric investigation was also carried out. The results showed that the maximum mass loss of maize cob occurred at the temperature of about 353°C. Finally, according to the ultimate analysis of the material, it was found that the maize cob used in the experiment is comprised of 40.50% carbon, 5.68% hydrogen and 0.37% hydrogen, respectively. © 2007 Science Publications.