Development and characterization of composite briquettes from carbonized banana peels and waste glass powder

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the feasibility of creating composite briquettes with enhanced physical, mechanical, and thermal attributes using carbonized banana peels and waste-glass powder. The precursors underwent characterization for volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and moisture using Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and chemical composition through Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). Briquettes were developed with varying proportions of waste-glass powder—0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. Thermo-physical properties were assessed using TGA, Higher Heating Values were determined using a bomb calorimeter, and thermal properties were examined through a water boiling test. Results from the proximate analysis showed moisture content between 2.5% and 9.7%, volatile matter between 25.9% and 37.2%, fixed carbon between 28.7% and 55.6%, and ash content between 7.2% and 35.1% for the developed briquettes. Mechanical testing via the drop test revealed a shatter index of 84% for 0% glass powder briquettes, while composite briquettes with glass powder showed an improved range between 94% and 97%. The Higher Heating Values of the briquettes varied from 22.5 MJ/kg to 35.8 MJ/kg. Thermal efficiency saw an increase from 22% in 0% glass briquettes to a range of 27% to 37% in composite briquettes. The 10% glass briquettes exhibited the highest ignition and combustion indexes: 6.5 x 10-5 wt%min-1℃-2 and 6.1 x 10-8 wt%min-2℃-3, respectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the 10% glass content produced the most favorable outcomes. It enhanced ignition and combustion indices, mechanical strength, and thermal efficiency without significantly escalating ash content or notably reducing the Higher Heating Value compared to samples with higher glass content.