Effects of Binding Ratios on Some Densification Characteristics of Groundnut Shell Briquettes

This study has revealed that groundnut shell can be compacted to a stabled state with binding material. The densification of the groundnut shells aid in transporting and storing, making it more economically than is possible at unprocessed state. The effects of binder (cassava starch gel) show that the highest lateral and axial expansion was 1.91 and 6% respectively. Maximum density, relax density, relaxation ratio ranges between 411 to 441 kg/m3, 201 to 202 kg/m3, 2.03 to 2.19, respectively. Other results are durability in the range of 69.89 to 93.52%, while the calorific value ranges between 19.82 to 21.97 MJ/kg. The overall, briquettes performances showed that 20% binder have the most outstanding resultin terms of durability. It was found that the amount of binder used have significant influence on the properties of the briquettes.