Combustion Performance of Biomass Composite Briquette from Rice Husk and Banana Residue

Utilization of agro-waste material in producing biomass briquette has been actively explored due to its huge potential as an alternative option to current energy resources. Also, the development of biomass briquette also solved agricultural waste disposal issues. Biomass briquette is widely utilized for domestic and industrial purposes such as cooking, heating, and electricity generation. This study was conducted to assess the combustion performance of the biomass composite briquette, which was produced by combining two agro-waste materials, which are rice husk and banana residue. The composite briquette was densified at a constant and controlled temperature as well as pressure by varying the particle size and ratio of the raw materials. The particle size used were 300 μm, 150 μm and 75 μm and then these particles were blended in the various components of rice husk and banana residue in percentage composition of 100:0, 80:20 and 60:40, respectively. The combustion performances of composite briquette ware assessed by evaluating their burning rate, calorific value, volatile matter, ash content and fixed carbon content. Results showed the composition of rice husk and banana residue of 60:40 with the particle size of 150 μm were found as the optimal combination since it owned moderate density, ash and fixed carbon content, and volatile matter. Furthermore, the combustion performance results of these briquette mixtures generate the calorific value up to 16396 J/g and could retain for at least 14 minutes after the flame was gradually put out by itself that indicated it has potential to be applied as solid fuel.