Enhancing Fuel Pellet Performance from Agricultural Biomass: Effects of LLDPE Additive, Die Temperature, and Diameter on Properties

Among the various forms of biomass, agricultural residues represent a promising feedstock for biofuel production, particularly in the form of fuel pellets. These pellets have the potential to mitigate the global fuel shortage; however, they often exhibit suboptimal physical and mechanical properties. In this study, we explore the feasibility of utilizing low-density linear polyethylene (LLDPE) waste as a binder to enhance the quality of fuel pellets produced from agricultural residues. Fuel pellets were manufactured using a single-pellet press from shredded straw and dried grass, with varying proportions of plastic additive. The experimental design incorporated two die diameters (۸ mm and ۱۰ mm), three die temperatures (۸۰°C, ۱۲۰°C, and ۱۶۰°C), and three levels of LLDPE additive (۰%, ۱۵%, and ۲۵% by weight). Each combination was tested in triplicate using a completely randomized factorial design. Key performance indicators such as density, toughness, water retention capacity, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon percentage, and heating value were assessed. Microstructural analysis of pellet composition was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to further understand the impact of the LLDPE additive on pellet morphology. The heating value of the pellets ranged from average of ۱۵.۸۶ MJ/kg to ۲۲.۳۲ MJ/kg, and there was a positive correlation between density and temperature. Pellet density varied between average of ۵۱۰ kg/m³ and ۹۰۳ kg/m³, indicating substantial improvements with the inclusion of the LLDPE additive.

کلیدواژه ها:

Agricultural solid waste ، Fuel pellet ، Polyethylene film ، Physical properties ، Thermal energy