THERMAL TREATMENT OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR PRODUCING SOLID BIOFUELS

Abstract

Brazil stands out in terms of the composition of its energy matrix, with biofuels playing an important role, with many different raw materials requiring study. This article seeks to evaluate thermal treatment's effect on different biomass species to improve their energy characteristics, through an analysis of immediate chemical composition (as standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials), spectroscopy in the infrared region, and thermogravimetry. This paper details the energy potential for each biomass, establishing the torrefaction processes with the best yield from agricultural residue of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), and papaya (Carica papaya L.). The thermal treatment of biomass proved effective in obtaining a solid biofuel with a higher heating value, as diagnosed through immediate chemical analyses.