Production and Characterization o f Briquettes from Melon Seed Shell, Corn Stalk and Sawdust

Abstract

This study was to assess the proximate and ultimate composition of briquettes produced from the blend of melon seed shell, corn stalk and sawdust using cassava starch as binder. The formulations of corn stalk, sawdust and melon seed shell for production of composite using simple latex mix design were taken in the following ratios; (0:50:50), (41.67:16.67:41.67), (16.67: 41.67:41.67), (50:50:0), (25:50;25), (50:25:25), (50:0;50), (25:25:50), (33.33:33.33:33.33) and (41.67:41.67:16.67) respectively. Each formulation contained 300 g of the composite blend with binder (starch) constituting 15%. The physical properties, proximate and ultimate analysis were carried out. From the proximate analysis results, briquettes with 50% Sawdust and 50% Corn Stalk have the highest calorific value of 32,636.40 Kcal/Kg while briquettes containing 25% Sawdust, 25% Corn Stalk and 50% Melon Seed Shell have the lowest calorific value of 28,652.49 Kcal/Kg. From the ultimate analysis, briquettes with the blend of 16.67% Corn Stalk, 41.67% Sawdust and 41.67% Melon Seed Shell were found to have the highest carbon content of 78.28% while the lowest carbon content was again obtained from the blend of 16.67% Corn Stalk, 41.67% Sawdust and 41.67% Melon Seed Shell with 64.55% carbon content which shows the reason for its lower calorific value. Design validity in the formulation of composite briquette, the plot indicates absence of point of critical error indicating the design levels significantly represent the composite estimate of the biomass. Consequently, the proximate analysis shows that only volatile content significantly varies from the actual response, while ultimate analysis shows significant level of variation from the actual values in carbon and oxygen content of the briquette.