Preliminary studies of biochar formulation using oil palm tree biomass
2014
Nik Azmi N. M. | Abdullah A. | Ida Idayu M. | Abdul Hadi M. S. | Siti Zalita A. T.
Biochar is a value-added and environmental friendly charcoal that is used for heating or fuel. Traditionally biochar is made from plant-derived biomass such as wood, leaves or fruit skin or shells in a closed heating system. In this study, oil palm tree biomass; oil palm troll (OPT), oil palm frond (OPF), empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm kernel shell (PKS) at utilized to formulate biochar. The objective of the present study was to formulate a high calorific value (cal/g), low moisture and low ash content product. This formulation was even empowered with glycerol and starch as the binding agent to form solid charcoal. The particle size for the formulation is from 75 micro m to 125 micro m in a 300°C a furnace for 15 min. The powder samples were wrapped in an aluminium foil to avoid oxidation to mimic vacuum-like burning. Samples were characterized by several analyses like the moisture content of the formulation, calorific value and also the ash content. Results show that the mixture of OPT and OPF is the best formulation compare to the other formulations. The calorific value of the formulation before entering furnace is 4375.3 cal/g; moisture content shows that it has 4.5% of moisture. The ash content was low which 5.39 %. After putting it into furnace, the calorifi value increased to 5762.3 callg. The moisture content was 4.9 % and the ash produce increased but still low compare to the other formulation that is 15.73 %. In addition, by mixing with glycerol with 1 to 1 ratio of glycerol solution and the formulation, the calorifi value was 4596.7 cal/g. Furthermore, with starch as binding agent, the calorific value was 4622.8 cal/g.
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