Dense Pellets Research Articles

Impacts of alfalfa nutrient concentrate on pellet physical attributes, growth performance, metabolism and nutritional quality of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

This study addresses the escalating demand for aquatic feed by exploring the potential of alfalfa nutrient concentrate (ANC) as feed ingredient for rainbow trout. Test diets contained varying ANC levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) to replace fishmeal (32% in the 0% ANC diet) to achieve equal digestible protein and were processed using a cooking extrusion method. Analysis of feed pellets showed that pellet density increased with ANC levels (P < 0.001), resulting in sinking pellets at 20% ANC. Water stability and durability were improved while oil leakage decreased with increasing ANC levels (P < 0.05). Two feeding trials were conducted to test the diets in flow-through water systems with three replicates per diet. The first 10-week trial evaluated their impact on feeding, fecal physical quality, and the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dietary nutrients in rainbow trout (initial body weight , 18.0 ± 0.2 g). ANC inclusion did not impact the palatability and satiety feed intake of the fish (P > 0.05). However, the ADC of dry matter and phosphorus significantly decreased in fish fed the 20% ANC diet (P < 0.05). The second 9-week trial investigated the growth performance, nutrition quality, and metabolism of rainbow trout (initial body weight, 19.0 ± 0.2 g). While all fish exhibited substantial growth, fish fed diets with 10% to 20% ANC displayed lower specific growth rate and higher feed conversion ratio compared to those fed with 0% or 5% ANC (P < 0.05). The whole body protein content was higher in fish fed 5% ANC compared to all other treatments (P = 0.030). The biochemical parameters of plasma were similar across treatments, except for a decrease in plasma phosphorus levels in fish fed a 10% ANC diet compared to those fed a 0% ANC diet. (P = 0.033). Significant changes were observed in liver metabolism including tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid and energy metabolism pathways in fish fed the 20% ANC diet versus the 0% ANC diet (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that ANC inclusion improved pellet physical quality without impairing feeding behavior and nutritional quality of the fish but inclusion ≥10% in the diet reduced fish growth. This study offers the first comprehensive assessment of the potential of ANC used in fish feed involving feed management, feeding evaluation, and the biological response.

Characterisation of Coconut Coir Under Compaction: Determination of Pellet Density, Specific Energy and Compression Force

Characterisation of Coconut Coir Under Compaction: Determination of Pellet Density, Specific Energy and Compression Force

Super Chloride Ionic Conductivity in CsSnCl3‐Based Perovskite Compound and Its Application for Solid‐State Chloride Batteries

A CsSnCl3‐based solid electrolyte in which 5% of Sn sites are occupied by Y ions, CsSn0.95Y0.05Cl3.05 (CSYC), is developed using a one‐step mechanical ball‐milling method. CSYC exhibits a stable cubic perovskite crystal structure and a high chloride ion conductivity of 4.9 mS cm−1. The relative density of a CSYC pellet following cold pressing without heat treatment is 97.5%. The high relative density and ionic conductivity are considered to originate from the high mechanical plasticity of the pellets, as evidenced by a low Young's modulus of 8.2 GPa. An all‐solid‐state chloride ion battery cell using CSYC as the electrolyte, BiCl3 as the active cathode material, and Sn as the anode is confirmed to operate at room temperature. The cell shows a large initial discharge capacity of 178 mAh g−1, ≈70% utilization, and good capacity retention with a reversible capacity of 100 mAh g−1 after 40 cycles. The mechanical plasticity of CSYC is considered to be a major contributor to its high ionic conductivity and good battery cycling performance.

Flash sintering of UO2 pellets for nuclear fuel and wasteform applications

Flash sintering (FS) has been shown to enhance the sintering kinetics in UO2. Using a bespoke AC-FS furnace, high density UO2 pellets, >95% theoretical density (TD) have been produced followed by scale up and Gd2O3 doping trials. Increasing furnace temperature during FS increases pellet density to a plateau, however, increasing hold time and maximum current both increased the density of UO2 samples to >95% TD and grain size to ~4µm, close to conventional sintering (CS). The optimised FS program reduced sintering temperature and cycle time by ~50% compared to CS. Scale up trials showed >96%TD pellets could be achieved for 11.3 and 14.125mm diameter green bodies, demonstrating typical fuel pellet diameters are feasible with FS. Gd doping experiments showed with 1wt.% Gd2O3 addition, a ~92%TD pellet with ~2µm grain size was obtainable, highlighting further optimisation is required for mixed oxide (MOx) materials.

Effects of biomass feedstock and applied pressure on the binding mechanism and pellet qualities

To expand the sources of feedstocks for pelleting and enhance the applicability of the pelleting device, 7 types of feedstocks with representative chemical component contents from different resources were densified. The pressure-time (P-T) curves and energy consumption were used to analyze the densification process and binding mechanism. Specific energy density and densification effects were evaluated pellet qualities and classified feedstock types. Results showed that the densification process was first affected by the feedstock types and then applied pressure. Biomass chemical component contents significantly influence the densification process, the required time, and the final pellet length. Energy consumption in the compression stage is much more than in the extrusion stage. The exponential stage consumes more than 90 % of the total energy. Energy conversion efficiency varies from 62.19 % to 95.06 % with the feedstock types and applied pressures. Single pellet density, densification effects, and specific energy densities increased with the rising applied pressure. BB, SD, PN, CS, and SB can be used as primary feedstocks. SR and ROC act as secondary feedstocks or lubricants. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of plant cell walls are solid bridges. Extractives, fat, and protein in the plant cells are binders and lubricants to make the pellet surface smooth. This paper could provide further insight into various biomass feedstock densification and general design for pelleting devices.

Physical characteristics and combustion behavior of pellets from sawdust and refuse-derived fuel

Experimental research findings are reported on the ignition and combustion behavior, as well as mechanical properties of pellets from wood biomass (pine sawdust) and additives of refuse-derived fuel (cardboard, plastic and their mixture). The addition of RDF was found to increase the vibration durability and moisture resistance of pellets by 3.7–45.6% % compared to samples without additives. Cardboard and its mixture with plastic contributed to 2.7–5.8% greater density of pellets % compared to wood pellets. The impact resistance coefficient of pellets with waste decreased by 0.3– 2.3% compared to samples without additives. An increase in the proportion of cardboard and plastic led to longer delay times of the gas-phase and heterogeneous ignition. The ignition delay times decreased by a factor of 1.3–2.2 as a result of mixing cardboard with plastic compared to pellets with only cardboard or plastic. On the environmental side, the use of cardboard in pellets reduced the concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide by 10–24 % and 5–46%, respectively, compared to samples without additives. By contrast, the addition of plastic waste increased CO2 and CO by 4–15% and 5–63%, respectively. The combustion of pellets with RDF was characterized by 22–78% lower concentrations of NOx. The results of a multi-criteria decision analysis revealed that the use of RDF in wood pellets increased the efficiency indicator by 1 to 12% compared to wood pellets.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of Sodium-Ion Conducting Chloride NaTaCl6

All-solid-state sodium batteries have been attracting attentions owing to their high energy density and safety. Solid electrolytes play a significant role in the electrochemical performances of all-solid-state batteries. Chloride-based solid electrolytes are particularly important for achieving high energy densities because of their high oxidation stability, ionic conductivity, and formability. Fewer sodium-ion conducting chlorides have been developed compared to lithium-ion conducting materials. It is necessary to discover the chlorides as the end-member of sodium-ion conductors. In this study, we report the development of a new NaTaCl6 chloride as an end-member sodium-ion conductor with high ionic conductivity. NaTaCl6 sample was mechanically prepared using a planetary ball mill apparatus. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the obtained sample displayed a broad pattern similar to the reported NaTaCl6 (ICSD#36519), suggesting that the sample contains both amorphous and crystalline phases. The reference intensity ratio method was used to investigate the weight ratios of the amorphous phases in the sample. The ratio was approximately 45 %. Transmission electron microscopy observations suggested that the sample consisted of the amorphous matrix and crystalline with the crystallite size of approximately 20 nm. The electrical conductivities of the pelletized samples were measured using two-terminal AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sample pellets were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 360 MPa without heat treatment. The pellet sample had the relative density of 85 % (powder density: 3.32 g cm–3, pellet density: 2.83 g cm–3). The sample shows σ 25ºC of 6.2×10–5 S cm–1, and the activation energy of 0.37 eV. To determine the NaTaCl6 onset oxidation voltage (OOV), linear sweep voltammetry measurement was carried out. The OOV of the sample at 60 ºC was 3.8 V vs. Na15Sn4. To demonstrate the high oxidation stability of NaTaCl6 in all-solid-state sodium batteries, it was used in a positive electrode by mixing Na3V2(PO4)3 as the active material and the buffer layer. The cell exhibited an initial reversible capacity of 96 mAh g–1 and stable cycling after 40 cycles with the capacity retention of 99.5 %. A 3.3 V all-solid-state sodium battery without oxide solid electrolytes was successfully operated. In this study, the NaTaCl6 electrolyte was developed with a high ionic conductivity and oxidation stability.Acknowledgement: This work was partly supported by JSPS KAKENHI (Grant Numbers: JP21H04701 and JP19H05816) and MEXT Program: Data Creation and Utilization-Type Material Research and Development Project Grant Number JPMXP1122712807.

Thermal Characteristics of Malaysian Khaya Senegalensis Wood Fuel Pellets: Densification-Induced Changes at Different Feedstock Moisture Levels

This study investigates the thermal behaviour of Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood energy pellets, examining the effects of densification at different feedstock moisture levels. Densified wood pellets are promising renewable energy sources, but the impact of densification on thermal characteristics, considering various moisture contents, is underexplored. The main objective is to quantify the thermal characteristics, which involved proximate analysis such as energy pellets’ ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value. In this research, Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood was converted into pellets through a densification process, spanning from of 4-20% feedstock moisture levels. The manufactured pellets were then subjected to various tests to characterize the thermal properties. Results reveal compelling insights on the relationships between densification, moisture content, and thermal properties. Densification significantly influenced thermal attributes, with effects tied to initial moisture content. Varying moisture levels led to distinct thermal responses, reflecting interactions between densification-induced changes in moisture and thermal responses. In this study, the best moisture content for ash content was found to be 16%, with 3.24% ash content, 16% moisture content with volatile matter of 85.24%, fixed carbon of 12% from 20% moisture content, and 16% moisture content with calorific value of 19.65 MJ/kg. These findings aid Khaya senegalensis wood pellet densification optimization for improved thermal performance. Understanding densification's impact on thermal behaviour under varying moisture conditions enhances pellet efficiency as sustainable energy sources. This research contributes to biomass pellet knowledge for renewable energy applications, advancing efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions.

A novel approach for Al-doped sintering of garnet solid electrolyte

Garnet based solid-state electrolyte Li6.75La3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 (LLZTO) is one of the most promising electrolytes for advanced all-solid-state lithium batteries. However, the ceramic electrolyte is difficult to densify under normal sintering conditions, and hence the Li+ transportation via grain boundary is significantly limited by the loose contact between electrolyte granules, resulting in a high Li+ ionic impedance. Herein, we report a novel 2-step approach to obtain a relatively dense LLZTO ceramic pellet by a special Al-doping method, in which the Al was derived from the erosion of the corundum milling beads by LiOH during ball milling. This approach enables the simultaneous distribution of the aluminum (Al) within the LLZTO lattice and uniformly within the grain boundary, serving as a sintering aid, effectively boosts the fusion of grain boundary and reduced the failure rate during the sintering process. The ceramic pellet had a conductivity of 8.13 × 10−4 S cm−1, higher than that without Al-doping or using Al2O3 as dopant. This method provides an easier way to sinter the garnet ceramic electrolyte.

Synthesis of B-site high-entropy BaTi0.2Hf0.2Zr0.2Y0.2Nb0.2O3 with water sensing properties

A barium-based perovskite structured ceramic with five different B-site cations was prepared by a solid-state synthesis method. The phase and chemical homogeneity of the synthesised material was verified using x-ray diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, showing the successful synthesis of a single-phase perovskite structure with Ba A-site and Ti, Hf, Zr, Y, Nb, B-site cations. Ultra-high vacuum x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to reveal the valence states of the constituent elements. Conventional, two-step and spark plasma sintering were used to form dense pellets with limited grain growth. The room temperature electrical characteristics of the sintered pellets were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy where a conductivity increase of two orders of magnitude was observed in a water-bearing atmosphere. Synchrotron-based ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed under water-bearing and dry conditions suggest that the conductivity increase is related to the incorporation of hydroxyl groups into the perovskite structure.

Transient behavior of oxide fuels with controlled microstructure and Cr2O3 additive

Microstructure and Cr2O3 doping profoundly impact the thermal-mechanical properties and fracture of oxides fuels. It is a challenge to study the transient behavior of nuclear fuels under loss-of-coolant-event (LOCA). In this study, the crack behavior of UO2 pellets with controlled grain structure and Cr2O3 doping was tested with rapid power ramping (300−900 °C per min) mimicking a prototypical LOCA heating profile. Dense micron-sized UO2 pellets display well-maintained integrity without cracking with the ramping up to 1500 °C at a heating rate of 8 °C per second. Fracture occurs in both pure and Cr2O3-doped dense nano-sized UO2 pellets. The Cr2O3 doped oxide fuel pellet with a larger grain size (~ 22.2 μm) displays the best performance under LOCA testing due to its highest thermal conductivity under high temperature. FEA calculations suggest a temperature gradient across the fuel pellet during transient testing, resulting in residual stress and cracking, which can be correlated with their thermal-mechanical properties.

Synthesis and radiation damage tolerance of Mo0.75W0.25AlB solid solution for nuclear fusion reactor applications

MAB phases (M = transition metal, A = aluminium (Al), B = boron (B)), a new family of nano-laminated ternary transition metal borides with an excellent combination of functional and structural properties, are currently being investigated as potential radiation shielding materials in nuclear fusion reactors. Here, we report the fabrication of a solid solution MAB phase Mo0.75W0.25AlB (Mo - molybdenum, W - tungsten), in the form of dense and high purity pellets, synthesised for the first time using a reactive hot-pressing method. The shielding and irradiation damage properties of the material were also evaluated. Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) calculations showed that W doping in the MoAlB phase is likely to enhance the shielding capacity against neutrons and gamma rays of different energies. The experimental damage tolerance of Mo0.75W0.25AlB to silicon ion (Si+) irradiation indicated that this solid solution compound has a high resistance to crack formation and other radiation damage effects compared to that of pure MoAlB. Thermal annealing of the amorphous Mo0.75W0.25AlB layer formed by irradiation showed that the damaged structure easily recrystallizes at high temperatures, completely returning to the virgin state. The results show that this solid solution should be considered as a promising candidate material for radiation shielding components.

1011 A Rare Case of Left Sided Hemiparesis Following a Pneumatic Gun-Shot Injury to Left Anterior Chest Wall in a 13-Year-Old Boy

Abstract Introduction Even though pneumatic weapons rarely cause severe direct trauma, pellet embolisation can lead to unexpected, catastrophic events. Case Report A 13-year-old, previously healthy boy was injured by an accidentally fired pneumatic gun, while playing with his twin brother. He sustained a penetrating wound to left anterior chest wall and resultant bleeding was self-limiting. He was hospitalised within 15minutes. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable with normal Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Neurological system findings. Entry wound measuring 5*5 mm was present at 5th intercostal space just left to the sternum. No exit wound was detected. Initial chest radiograph and ultra-sound abdomen and chest were normal. 2D echocardiogram revealed only a very thin layer(3mm) of pericardial effusion. Four hours later, He developed a focal seizure followed by left sided hemiparesis. Urgent NCCT brain and carotid artery duplex showed a high dense pellet in right internal carotid artery at the level of petrous temporal bone and hypo-dense Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) suggestive of right MCA thrombosis. He was transferred to a tertiary care centre. Interventional radiological and endo-vascular attempts of pellet retrieval have been failed. Ischemic stroke pursued with worsening cerebral oedema; thus decompression craniotomy was performed on day 3. He is currently being rehabilitated in a specialised centre. Conclusions High degree of suspicion should be maintained on the possibility of projectile embolisation, in pneumatic gun-shot injuries, especially in the absence of an exit wound. Extensive early investigations should be performed to localise the projectile and retrieval should be planned.

3D imaging and analysis to unveil the impact of microparticles on the pellet morphology of filamentous fungi.

Controlling the morphology of filamentous fungi is crucial to improve the performance of fungal bioprocesses. Microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) increases productivity, most likely by changing the fungal morphology. However, due to a lack of appropriate methods, the exact impact of the added microparticles on the structural development of fungal pellets is mostly unexplored. In this study synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography and three-dimensional (3D) image analysis were applied to unveil the detailed 3D incorporation of glass microparticles in nondestructed pellets of Aspergillus niger from MPEC. The developed method enabled the 3D analysis based on 375 pellets from various MPEC experiments. The total and locally resolved volume fractions of glass microparticles and hyphae were quantified for the first time. At increasing microparticle concentrations in the culture medium, pellets with lower hyphal fraction were obtained. However, the total volume of incorporated glass microparticles within the pellets did not necessarily increase. Furthermore, larger microparticles were less effective than smaller ones in reducing pellet density. However, the total volume of incorporated glass was larger for large microparticles. In addition, analysis of MPEC pellets from different times of cultivation indicated that spore agglomeration is decisive for the development of MPEC pellets. The developed 3D morphometric analysis method and the presented results will promote the general understanding and further development of MPEC for industrial application.

Physicochemical Properties, Equilibrium Adsorption Performance, Manufacturability, and Stability of TIFSIX-3-Ni for Direct Air Capture of CO2.

The use of adsorbents for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 is regarded as a promising and essential carbon dioxide removal technology to help meet the goals outlined by the 2015 Paris Agreement. A class of adsorbents that has gained significant attention for this application is ultramicroporous metal organic frameworks (MOFs). However, the necessary data needed to facilitate process scale evaluation of these materials is not currently available. Here, we investigate TIFSIX-3-Ni, a previously reported ultramicroporous MOF for DAC, and measure several physicochemical and equilibrium adsorption properties. We report its crystal structure, textural properties, thermal stability, specific heat capacity, CO2, N2, and H2O equilibrium adsorption isotherms at multiple temperatures, and Ar and O2 isotherms at a single temperature. For CO2, N2, and H2O, we also report isotherm model fitting parameters and calculate heats of adsorption. We assess the manufacturability and process stability of TIFSIX-3-Ni by investigating the impact of batch reproducibility, binderless pelletization, humidity, and adsorption-desorption cycling (50 cycles) on its crystal structure, textural properties, and CO2 adsorption. For pelletized TIFSIX-3-Ni, we also report its skeletal, pellet, and bed density, total pore volume, and pellet porosity. Overall, our data enable initial process modeling and optimization studies to evaluate TIFSIX-3-Ni for DAC at the process scale. They also highlight the possibility to pelletize TIFSIX-3-Ni and the limited stability of the MOF under humid and oxidative conditions as well as upon multiple adsorption-desorption cycles.

Biomass pellets fuel from coffee peels as a renewable energy source and its application in low emission stove

Abstract The biomass pellet used in this study was mostly composed of coffee peels, which were then blended with tapioca flour and molasses to create a cohesive material. Three distinct binder concentrations namely 10, 15%, and 20 were applied. Tapioca flour and molasses were added to the biomass pellets at different concentrations, which increased their density, ash content, and fixed carbon content while decreasing their moisture and volatile matter contents. It had the following characteristics namely 15.18% fixed carbon content and 610 kg/m3 biomass pellet density, a 0.008 kg/min fuel usage rate, a 3.03 percent ash content, an 81.79% volatile matter content, 8.03% moisture content, and 33.15% thermal efficiency. The design findings were computed using the stove’s dimensions, which were 26.5 cm in diameter and 37 cm in height. This distance, which totals 8 cm, may lessen the furnace and cause burning to produce heat.

Combustion characteristics of refuse-derived fuel pellets having varying plastic compositions.

The plastic fraction of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets influences fuel's physico-chemical, and mechanical properties, which in turn might affect the combustion behavior of RDF. In the present study, the combustion behavior of different plastic fraction-simulated RDF pellets is reported. The simulated pellets were prepared based on the Indian commercial RDF composition. Initially, the plastic content varied from the existing fraction in Indian commercial RDF, i.e., 35% (RDF-1), to a lower plastic content of 5% (RDF-2). Physico-chemical characterization showed that a higher plastic fraction in RDF-1 reduces its pellet density by 25% as compared to RDF-2. The changes in RDF physico-chemical properties due to plastic variation are reflected in the RDF conversion process. Single-particle and packed-bed studies concluded that the lower density for higher plastic RDF-1 leads to lower conversion times (36%), and higher flame front speed (11%), which are desirable conditions for faster conversion. However, packed-bed studies also showed limitations regarding the utilization of high plastic RDF as RDF-1 has a narrow range of operating air mass flux due to the early advent of convective cooling of the bed. Finally, considering the constraints associated with the utilization of high plastic fraction (~ 35%) RDF and to maximize the effective utilization of plastic in RDF, a workable plastic fraction of 15% in RDF was proposed and tested for its combustion properties. RDF with 15% plastic showed faster conversion, higher flame front speed, and a wider range of operating air mass flux before the advent of convective cooling of the bed.

Assessment of the Characteristics of Corncobs Used for Energy Needs

Due to environmental pollution and global warming, the use of renewable energy sources such as agricultural residues is gaining attention. Corn is the main source of food in many countries, and after harvesting it, the agricultural and industrial sectors generate significant amounts of residues. This study focused on corncob processing, its preparation, and the evaluation of its characteristics for energy needs. There was no significant difference between drying with active ventilation in the dryer and outdoor drying conditions. The adequate moisture content of corncob pellets is 12.39% at a compression ratio of 3.43 ± 0.011 and a maximum pellet density of 1012.96 ± 3.35 kg m−3. The variation in pellet density at a given adequate moisture content is at least 0.78%. The compression ratio of the pellets compacted on the horizontal matrix granulator is 9.75% higher than that of the pellets produced on the laboratory automatic press. The corncob’s lower calorific value was 17.35 ± 0.14 MJ kg−1, and the ash content was 1.78 ± 0.24%. The produced pellets are strong enough and can be used for combustion. This research may help to better understand the properties of corncobs and their energy potential.

Dendrite-Free Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5-Based All-Solid-State Lithium Battery Enabled by Grain Boundary Electronic Insulation Strategy through In Situ Polymer Encapsulation.

Sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have attracted unprecedented attention in the past decade due to their excellent safety performance and high energy storage density. However, the sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as the core component of ASSLBs have a certain stiffness, which inevitably leads to the formation of pores and cracks during the production process. In addition, although sulfide SSEs have high ionic conductivity, the electrolytes are unstable to lithium metal and have non-negligible electronic conductivity, which severely limits their practical applications. Herein, a grain boundary electronic insulation strategy through in situ polymer encapsulation is proposed for this purpose. A polymer layer with insulating properties is applied to the surface of the Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 (LPSC) electrolyte particles by simple ball milling. In this way, we can not only achieve a dense electrolyte pellet but also improve the stability of the Li metal anode and reduce the electronic conductivity of LPSC. This strategy of electronic isolation of the grain boundaries enables stable deposition/stripping of the modified electrolyte for more than 2000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-1 in a symmetrical Li/Li cell. With this strategy, a full cell with Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 (NCM811) as the cathode shows high performance including high specific capacity, improved high-rate capability, and long-term stability. Therefore, this study presents a new strategy to achieve high-performance sulfide SSEs.

Process Optimization of Pellet Manufacturing from Mixed Materials in Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Pelleting

Achieving carbon neutrality and alleviating the rural energy predicament are crucial aspects in rural areas, particularly in the severe cold regions of northeast China. Pellets serve as clean, renewable energy sources and are ideal alternative fuels. This study investigated the influencing factors and effects of mixed raw materials in ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting (UV-A pelleting). Rice straw and corn stover were mixed to produce pellets, and a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was conducted to analyze the variables and their interactions on pellet density and durability. Mathematical regression models for pellet density and durability were established and then validated through ANOVA analysis. The results showed that all variables significantly affected the density and durability of pellets. The mixing ratio had a greater impact on pellet durability compared to density due to differences in ingredients. The optimal combination of process parameters included a mixing ratio of 25%, molding pressure of 4 MPa, pelleting time of 37 s, and ultrasonic power output at 200 W, resulting in a pellet density of 1301.18 kg/m3 with a durability reaching 94.26%. The desirability value (0.997) under these optimal conditions confirmed the validity of the models; further experiments also verified their effectiveness. The combustion of the optimized pellet was analyzed using thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis in an air atmosphere. Four combustion stages and ignition temperature were provided.