Evaluation of the mechanical and thermal characteristics of maize husk briquette as an alternative energy source

Abstract

This paper presents the mechanical and thermal characteristics evaluation of maize husk briquette as an alternative energy source to enhance sustainability and efficiency. The experimental test conducted for a 0.6kg weight of briquette showed the volatility and moisture content to have a mean value of 62.52 and 0.27%; while the compressive strength was revealed to be 3.06k N/m 2. The thermal evaluation showed that the mean burn temperature of the maize husk briquette rose from 70.70 o C to 83.34 o C in 8 minutes, 98.72 o C in 10 minutes and finally 100 o C in 12 minutes; when compared to fire wood which burns slowly from 46 o C in 5 minutes, to 53 o C in 9 minutes, 68 o C in 10 minutes, 82 o C in 12 minutes, 94 o C in 18 minutes and finally to 100 o C in 21 minutes. Further, the comparative analysis result revealed that the maize husk briquette has more oxygen and nitrogen at 44.64 and 4.22%, compared to charcoal. It also has more ash content of 11.47% due to its volatility to burn effectively. On the other hand, the maize husk briquette has a low carbon and sulfur contents after burning at 43.55 and 0.051%. These findings will help address the disposal challenges of accumulated maize husk at and crop residues as an alternative sustainable source to meet green environmental and technological demands.