Bio-char and bio-oil mixture derived from the pyrolysis of mesocarp fibre for briquettes production

Abstract

A huge amount of mesocarp fibre (MF) is generated as wastes in Malaysia. These wastes will continue to pose disposal problems in Malaysia, unless effectively deployed. This research aims to produce charcoal briquettes from the pyrolysis products of such wastes (bio-char and bio-oil). The MF was pyrolysed at a temperature of 400°C, a heating rate of 10°C min-1 for 1 hr. Sago starch was added to improve the bio-oil viscosity. Bio-char and bio-oil binder were mixed respectively in the ratio of 70:30 for the charcoal briquettes production. Bio-oil viscosity was improved to 49.6 cP from 1.9 cP. Consequently, higher heating value (HHV), pH value and density of bio-oil were increased to 21.23 MJ kg-1 from 17.06 MJ kg-1, 4.76 from 3.14 and 1529 kg m-3 from 1337 kg m-3, respectively. The physio-chemical properties and the durability of the briquettes were analysed and compared to briquettes obtained with sago starch binder. The results have revealed that briquettes made with bio-oil binder had high HHV of 29.1 MJ kg-1, density, and water resistance. The briquettes made with sago binder were more durable. This study could boost the application of pyrolysis products, especially bio-oil which has some disadvantages as fuel. It can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels such as coal in some applications.