Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Maize Cob of Different Particle Sizes

Abstract

Maize cobs sieved into three different mesh sizes of 2.36mm, 4.75mm, and 6.36mm were densified into briquettes using starch as binder. Combustion related properties namely percentage volatile matter, percentage ash content, percentage fixed carbon and calorific or heating value of the briquettes were determined. Results showed that different mesh sizes produced briquettes of different properties. Densities of the briquette produced ranged from 0.15-0.27g/cm³ with particle size 2.36mm having a percentage volatile matter of 57.82%, 4.75mm had 59.37% respectively while 6.30mm had the highest volatile matter of 62.90. The higher the particle size the higher the heating values which ranged from 20.93 to 24.97kj/kg. There is significant difference (P<0.05) in the heating values of the briquette produced from the three particle sizes. Assessment of the burning characteristics showed that briquette produced with particle size 6.30mm gave the highest energy value (24.97) and percentage volatile (62.91%) matter with moderate ash content.

Keywords: Briquette, maize cob, combustion properties, mesh sizes, binding agent