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A review of the mechanism of bonding in densified biomass pellets

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  • Anukam, Anthony
  • Berghel, Jonas
  • Henrikson, Gunnar
  • Frodeson, Stefan
  • Ståhl, Magnus

Abstract

The production of durable biomass pellets have always been challenged by several factors including the lack of understanding of the mechanism involved in how particles combine to form pellets under standard conditions of the pellet press. This is because contributing factors span several molecular, microscopic, and even nanoscopic levels as biomass undergoes pelleting. The characteristics of the bonds formed between the combining particles and their relevance to the quality of pellets remains vague, no matter how quality is defined. However, even though few researchers have attempted to explain the mechanism of bonding in densified biomass pellets using different theories, none of their hypotheses supports particle bonding from a structural chemistry perspective. There are still no clear explanations which consider the role of molecular structure and the interactions of substances as milled biomass undergo pelleting. In view of these arguments therefore, this review presents an in-depth analysis of a structural chemistry perspective of the mechanism of bonding and the use of additives in densified biomass pellets and helps identify research areas needed to facilitate better understanding of bonding in densified biomass pellets. The status of current research in biomass pelleting, types of materials suitable as additives and their structural characteristics, as well as the current technical specifications of using additives are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Anukam, Anthony & Berghel, Jonas & Henrikson, Gunnar & Frodeson, Stefan & Ståhl, Magnus, 2021. "A review of the mechanism of bonding in densified biomass pellets," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:148:y:2021:i:c:s1364032121005360
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111249
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    2. Stefan Frodeson & Anthony Ike Anukam & Jonas Berghel & Magnus Ståhl & Rasika Lasanthi Kudahettige Nilsson & Gunnar Henriksson & Elizabeth Bosede Aladejana, 2021. "Densification of Wood—Influence on Mechanical and Chemical Properties when 11 Naturally Occurring Substances in Wood Are Mixed with Beech and Pine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-16, September.
    3. James W. Butler & William Skrivan & Samira Lotfi, 2023. "Identification of Optimal Binders for Torrefied Biomass Pellets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-23, April.
    4. Ismail Gannan & Hussam Kubaji & Workson Siwale & Stefan Frodeson & G. Venkatesh, 2023. "Streamlined Social Footprint Analysis of the Nascent Bio-Pellet Sub-Sector in Zambia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, March.
    5. Grzegorz Łysiak & Ryszard Kulig & Alina Kowalczyk-Juśko, 2023. "Toward New Value-Added Products Made from Anaerobic Digestate: Part 2—Effect of Loading Level on the Densification of Solid Digestate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, April.

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