Study of Thermal Properties of C Thermal Properties of Briquetted Charcoal from Rice Straw

Abstract

    The increasing demand for energy and the depletion of fossil fuel resources have led to growing interest in the development of renewable energy from biomass, particularly agricultural residues such as rice straw, which is abundantly available in Thailand. This study aims to produce charcoal briquettes from rice straw and to investigate their thermal properties in accordance with the Thai Community Product Standard (TCPS 238/2004). In this study, rice straw was subjected to a pyrolysis process under oxygen-limited conditions to produce charcoal. The resulting charcoal was then crushed and sieved to obtain a uniform particle size. Cassava starch at 3% by weight was used as a binder before the mixture was compressed into briquettes using a briquetting machine and subsequently dried until a constant moisture content was achieved. The thermal properties were evaluated by measuring the calorific value using a bomb calorimeter, along with analyses of moisture content, ash content, and density based on standard methods. The results showed that the produced briquettes had an average calorific value of 3,522 cal/g, an average moisture content of 8.44%, and an average ash content of 41.53%, which do not meet the requirements of the community product standard. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that rice straw can be utilized to produce charcoal briquettes. Although the thermal properties may not be suitable for commercial production, the briquettes demonstrate potential as an alternative energy source for households and communities, helping to reduce energy costs, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and promote the utilization of biomass resources.