Densification Characteristics of Bagasse using Starch Based Natural and Synthetic Binder

Abstract

Pakistan is agricultural country facing intense energy crisis from last two decades due to increase in population and technological development. The need of the hour is to look for alternative energy resources to meet the demands of growing population keeping in view the environmental impacts and challenges. Biomass like Bagasse is abundantly available in our country and has good potential to meet energy requirements in an economical and feasible way through pelletisation. It improves the utility of sugar cane bagasse as a potential fuel and storage for electricity generation round the year. The aim of this study is to produce Bagasse pellets using starch based natural binder (low grade broken rice) and synthetic binder (Maya) at varying concentrations. Bagasse pellets are prepared at varying natural and synthetic binder concentrations (3%, 5% and 7%) respectively to come up with feasible pellet by investigating the physical, mechanical, structural and thermal properties. Pellets with 3% natural binder are found to be more strengthen, durable (IRI =300) and have maximum gross heating value (4117 Cal/g) as considered to be appropriate fuel source with good storage, handling and transportation properties. Bagasse pellets are found to be cheap and economical way to produce energy considering availability and environmental challenges.