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Characterization of Pure and Blended Pellets Made from Norway Spruce and Pea Starch: A Comparative Study of Bonding Mechanism Relevant to Quality

Author

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  • Anthony Ike Anukam

    (Environmental and Energy Systems, Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Jonas Berghel

    (Environmental and Energy Systems, Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Stefan Frodeson

    (Environmental and Energy Systems, Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden)

  • Elizabeth Bosede Famewo

    (Electron Microscopy Unit, Central Analytical Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa)

  • Pardon Nyamukamba

    (Technology Station Clothing and Textiles, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony Way, Bellville 7580, South Africa)

Abstract

The mechanism of bonding in biomass pellets is such a complex event to comprehend, as the nature of the bonds formed between combining particles and their relevance to pellet quality are not completely understood. In this study, pure and blended biomass pellets made from Norway spruce and pea starch were characterized using advanced analytical instruments able to provide information beyond what is visible to the human eye, with intent to investigate differences in bonding mechanism relevant to quality. The results, which were comprehensively interpreted from a structural chemistry perspective, indicated that, at a molecular level, the major disparity in bonding mechanism between particles of the pellets and the quality of the pellets, defined in terms of strength and burning efficiency, were determined by variation in the concentration of polar functional groups emanating from the major organic and elemental components of the pellets, as well as the strength of the bonds between atoms of these groups. Microscopic-level analysis, which did not provide any clear morphological features that could be linked to incongruity in quality, showed fracture surfaces of the pellets and patterns of surface roughness, as well as the mode of interconnectivity of particles, which were evidence of the production of pellets with dissimilarities in particle bonding mechanism and visual appearance.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Ike Anukam & Jonas Berghel & Stefan Frodeson & Elizabeth Bosede Famewo & Pardon Nyamukamba, 2019. "Characterization of Pure and Blended Pellets Made from Norway Spruce and Pea Starch: A Comparative Study of Bonding Mechanism Relevant to Quality," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:23:p:4415-:d:289127
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Andrzej Kuranc & Monika Stoma & Leszek Rydzak & Monika Pilipiuk, 2020. "Durability Assessment of Wooden Pellets in Relation with Vibrations Occurring in a Logistic Process of the Final Product," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-15, November.
    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. Jakub Styks & Marek Wróbel & Jarosław Frączek & Adrian Knapczyk, 2020. "Effect of Compaction Pressure and Moisture Content on Quality Parameters of Perennial Biomass Pellets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    4. 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).
    5. Wentao Li & Mingfeng Wang & Fanbin Meng & Yifei Zhang & Bo Zhang, 2022. "A Review on the Effects of Pretreatment and Process Parameters on Properties of Pellets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-23, October.
    6. Sergio Paniagua & Alba Prado-Guerra & Ana Isabel Neto & Teresa Nunes & Luís Tarelho & Célia Alves & Luis Fernando Calvo, 2020. "Influence of Varieties and Organic Fertilizer in the Elaboration of a New Poplar-Straw Pellet and Its Emissions in a Domestic Boiler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.

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