The Role of Clay Binder Proportion and Compression Intensity on Physical Attributes of Carbonized Rice Husk Briquette

Mersha Alebachew  Fetene; Dessye Belay Tikuneh

doi:10.30544/RSD111

Authors

Mersha Alebachew Fetene Department of Agricultural Engineering Research, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7221-2405
Dessye Belay Tikuneh Department of Agricultural Engineering Research, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1907-8305

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30544/RSD111

Keywords:

Agricultural residue , Pollution, Renewable energy , Bulk Density, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon , Ash Content, Interaction Effect, Structural Integrity, Optimization

Abstract

This study investigated the combined effects of clay soil binder ratio and compression level on the physical properties of carbonized rice husk briquettes, with the goal of optimizing their production as a sustainable fuel source. Briquettes were produced by mixing carbonized rice husk with clay soil binder at varying proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight) and compacting them at three levels (6 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm) using a factorial design. The resulting briquettes were evaluated for bulk density, moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content. The results showed that both binder ratio and compression level significantly affected all measured properties, with notable interaction effects. Moisture content was lowest (4.02%) at 5% binder and 6 mm compaction, while volatile matter decreased from 24.48% (0% binder) to 13.41% (20% binder) at 6 mm. Fixed carbon content increased from 50.49% to 68.27% with higher binder levels, and ash content decreased from 20.21% to 13.77%. Higher binder ratios improved bulk density and durability while reducing moisture, volatile matter, and ash content. Greater compaction further enhanced density and strength across all binder levels. The optimum briquette quality was achieved with a clay soil binder ratio of 5–10% by weight and a compaction level around 12 mm, providing a practical balance of durability, fuel quality, and storage stability. Optimizing these parameters improves the quality, handling, transport, and energy performance of the briquettes. Future research should explore alternative binders and biomass feedstocks and assess thermal properties to clarify combustion efficiency and economic viability. These findings underscore the importance of binder content and compression level in producing high-quality carbonized rice husk briquettes for sustainable rural energy applications.

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