Production of Briquettes from Sugarcane Bagasse Using Selected Binders: A Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties

The increasing demand for domestic energy and the continued dependence on fuelwood have contributed significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation in many developing countries. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural residue generated by the sugar industry, presents a sustainable alternative for renewable energy production. This study evaluated the suitability of sugarcane bagasse for briquette production using four different binders: clay, cement, paper, and a mixture of the three. Bagasse was carbonized, pulverized, mixed with binders at a ratio of 6:1, compressed into briquettes, and dried under sunlight. The produced briquettes were analyzed for ignition time, moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, density, burning performance, and calorific value. Results indicated that paper-bound briquettes exhibited the highest calorific value (26,700 kJ/kg) and the shortest ignition time (244 s), while clay-bound briquettes recorded the highest ash content (34.5%). Briquettes produced using the mixed binder demonstrated balanced physicochemical properties, including a high calorific value (26,192 kJ/kg), moderate ash content (25%), and the shortest water-boiling time (41 min). The findings suggest that mixed binders provide the most suitable combination of combustion and handling characteristics for bagasse briquette production.