Characterization of hybrid charcoal briquettes from date palm and pistachio residues and bio-based binders

Abstract

As a solid biofuel, briquette is a renewable energy technology that has attracted enormous attention in the sustainable energy sector and can replace fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This research developed hybrid charcoal briquettes using biochar of date palm and pistachio residues. Starch, molasses, and bitumen were used as binders to produce the hybrid briquettes with different contents. The briquettes were compacted at pressure levels of 100 bar using a hydraulic press. Compressed density, relaxed density, compaction ratio, impact resistance index (IRI), shatter index, and compressive strength were determined using standard procedures. The results showed that the relaxed density of the hybrid briquettes ranged from 0.63 to 1.03 g/cm3, and their compressive strength ranged from 0.46 to 22.17 N/mm. The briquettes made of the starch binder at a content of 20% exhibited superior properties. The higher the binder content, the better the quality of the briquettes for storage and transportation.