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http://dx.doi.org/10.5658/WOOD.2017.45.6.703

Effect of Process Parameters and Kraft Lignin Additive on The Mechanical Properties of Miscanthus Pellets  

Min, Chang Ha (Department of Chemical Engineering and Research Center of Chemical Technology Hankyong National University)
Um, Byung Hwan (Department of Chemical Engineering and Research Center of Chemical Technology Hankyong National University)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology / v.45, no.6, 2017 , pp. 703-719 More about this Journal
Abstract
Miscanthus had a higher lignin content (19.5 wt%) and carbohydrate (67.6 wt%) than other herbaceous crops, resulting in higher pellet strength and positive effect on combustion. However, miscanthus also contains a high amount of hydrophobic waxes on its outer surface, cuticula, which limits the pellet quality. The glass transition of lignin and cuticula were related to forming inter-particle bonding, which determined mechanical properties of pellet. To determine the effects of surface waxes, both on the pelletizing process and the pellet strength were compared with raw and extracted samples through solvent extraction. In addition, to clarify the relationship between pellet process parameters and bonding mechanisms, the particle size and temperature are varied while maintaining the moisture content of the materials and the die pressure at constant values. Furthermore, kraft lignin was employed to determine the effect of kraft lignin as an additive in the pellets. As results, the removal of cuticula through ethanol extractions improved the mechanical properties of the pellet by the formation of strong inter-particle interactions. Interestingly, the presence of lignin in miscanthus improves its mechanical properties and decreases friction against the inner die at temperatures above the glass transition temperature ($T_g$) of lignin. Consequently, it could found that the use of kraft lignin as an additive in pellet reduced friction in the inner die upon reaching its glass transition temperature.
Keywords
biomass; miscanthus; pellet; kraft lignin; solid fuel;
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