Optimization of Coal To Biomass Ratio For Enhanced Mechanical and Combustion Properties of Coal-Cassava Stalk (Manihot esculenta) and Detar Shell (Detarium senegalense) Briquette BlendsThis study investigated the optimization of coal-biomass ratio to pr

Abstract

This study investigated the optimization of coal-biomass ratio to produce briquettes from cassava stalk and detar shell. Briquettes consisting of different ratios of coal to biomasses were produced to evaluate the effect of the materials on the properties of the briquettes. Proximate, mechanical, and combustion analyses were conducted on the briquettes using standard procedures. The results showed that the addition of biomass improved the mechanical properties of the briquettes, increasing their durability and compressive strength. The coal briquettes blends exhibited superior properties, including higher calorific values, shorter water boiling times, and longer burning times, compared to biomass-only briquettes. The optimum coal-biomass ratio for both the cassava stalk and detar shell coal briquette blends was found to be 60% coal to 40% biomass. The properties of the optimized briquettes were comparable to those reported in literature. This study demonstrated the potential of coal briquette blends of cassava stalk and detar shell as a sustainable and efficient energy solution.