Influence of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of biomass pellets from agriculture residue: Pearl millet cob and mix

Fossil fuels such as coal are likely to be exhausted in near future, research therefore is focussed on exploration of alternatives. Biomass pellet is one such option and in this work pellets were produced from pearl millet cob, mixed with corncob and eucalyptus saw dust as additives in five different mass ratios. The influence of pelletization on physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the pellets so produced for use as biofuel was studied. The biomass pellets were found to characteristically have higher calorific value, higher bulk and energy densities; and lower moisture content. The pellets produced with pearl millet cob had large ash contents (2.89 % to 6.48 %). The addition of additives caused reduction in ash content and enhanced energy characteristics of resultant biomass pellets up to significant extent. Durability of pellets were enhanced from 83.3 % for pearl millet pellets to over 95.4 % for pellets with 50 % additives. Water resistance improved from 39 s to at least 110 s with similar additives. [Display omitted] •Fuel pellets from millet cob blended with eucalyptus dust and corn cob were produced.•These were tested for physical, mechanical and thermal properties.•The mechanical stability of pellets depends on the composition of raw materials.•Pellets from blends of corn cob and eucalyptus dust made good energy feed-stocks.•Additives enhanced mechanical properties, storage and transport of pellets.