Agricultural biomass waste poses environmental challenges if not managed properly. This study investigated the conversion of agro-industrial residues into hybrid charcoal briquettes as solid biofuel. Using coconut shell charcoal fines and carbonized rice hulls, briquettes were produced via 33 MPa compaction with 12% cassava starch binder. The optimal blend (74.80% coconut shell, 25.20% rice hulls) yielded a heating value of 15.44 MJ kg-1, with favorable properties: 40.94% fixed carbon, 38.6% ash, 7.12% moisture, and 20.46% volatile matter. The briquettes exhibited high durability (99.80% shatter index), ensuring resistance to breakage. These results highlight the potential of hybrid briquettes as a sustainable, eco-friendly fuel alternative, supporting waste valorization and energy efficiency. By repurposing agro-waste, this approach promotes a circular economy while offering a cost-effective substitute for conventional fuels.
Cordova, K. S. A. ., Babia, G. P. U. ., Señorin, G. M. L. ., Generalao, E. R. U. ., Mabayo, V. I. F. ., & Liwanag, J. K. C. . (2026). A Circular Economy Approach in Sustainable Energy Transitions: Converting Agro-Industrial Waste into Solid Biofuel. Current Applied Science and Technology, e0267754. https://doi.org/10.55003/cast.2026.267754
https://cast.kmitl.ac.th/doi/10.55003/cast.2026.267754
