Cashew nut husk and babassu coconut husk residues: evaluation of their energetic properties

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to analyze the energetic properties of the cashew nut husk and babassu coconut husk residues, as well as the blend of different ratios of these biomasses to evaluate the potential of them through the production of solid biofuels (briquettes), aiming the insertion of renewable sources in the fuel national market. These wastes are common in Brazil and according to the literature to generate about 80.484 tons (cashew nut husk), and 800.00 tons (babassu coconut husk) per year. However, these biomasses are not used frequently as biofuels, probably due to the lack of information about their energy potentials. So, the authors present the energetic potential of these residues in this paper. The agro-residues characterization was carried out by proximate and elemental analysis, higher heating value, bulk, and energetic (MJ m-3). The production of briquettes derived from cashew nut husk, babassu coconut husk, and their blends represents an environmentally appropriate way to reuse these wastes as biofuels, adding economic value to these residues.