Improving the Physical, Mechanical and Energetic Characteristics of Pine Sawdust by the Addition of up to 40% <i>Agave durangensis</i> Gentry Pellets

Abstract

Agave durangensis Gentry biomass, as a residue from the mezcal production process, may be an interesting bioenergy alternative; however, its high ash content limits its application. In this study, pellets were generated with agave fiber mixed with Pinus species sawdust in the following six proportions (%): 100–0 (control), 80–20, 60–40, 40–60, 20–80 and 0–100 (control). The physical, chemical and energetic properties of the pellets were evaluated according to the UNE-EN ISO 17225-6, UNE EN ISO 17827-2, UNE-EN ISO 17828, UNE-EN ISO 18122, UNE-EN ISO 18123, UNE-EN ISO 18125, and UNE-EN ISO 18134-1 standards. The results showed significant statistical differences (p 3 and the impact-strength index was in the range of 69.33 to 126.66. The mechanical hardness and compressive strength were found to be in the ranges of 50.5 to 68.4% and 0.90 to 36.65 N/mm, respectively. Pellets generated with Agave residue mixture ≤ 40% were identified as promising biobased resources for the sustainable production of renewable energy.

Keywords

• <i>Agave durangensis</i>
• pellets
• <i>Pinus</i> spp.
• physical and energetic properties