Evaluation of composite briquettes from dry leaves in energy applications for agrarian communities in India

The current study was carried out to explore the characteristics of biomass briquettes produced with different proportion of dry leaves, sawdust, and rice husk with starch as binder. The briquettes were created in the laboratory with a compression testing machine at a pressure of 150 MPa. The biomass particles, which are smaller than 1.18 mm, were utilized. The heating value and the ultimate analysis were determined by means of an empirical formula based on the values obtained from the proximate analysis. After a drying period of 7 days, the quality of the briquettes was evaluated. Briquette made from 100% dry leaves showed the highest density (1.193 g/cc) heating value (4789 kcal/kg), shatter resistance (89%), and water resistance (68.56%) and fixed carbon (25.58%). The heating value and durability performance have validated the use of dry leaves for the preparation of briquettes. The study demonstrates a way to reduce dry leaves waste, which could be utilized as a biomass fuel.