PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTES PRODUCED FROM CHARCOAL FINES AND WASTE OF Pinus spp

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced with charcoal fines and waste of Pinus spp (sawdust and wood shavings). For the production, the charcoal fines of two particle sizes (less than and greater than 5 mm) were mixed with each type of wood waste of Pinus spp in the proportions of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Then, the mixtures were compacted under the pressure of 55 kgf.cm-2 in a piston briquetter. As binder, 8% gelatinized maize starch was used. Tests were carried out on the briquettes in order to determine the apparent density, compressive strength, and friability index. Briquettes with the highest densities and compressive strengths were produced with the two lowest proportions of wood waste of Pinus spp (5 and 10%). The use of the charcoal fines combined with sawdust or wood shavings of Pinus spp is recommended for the production of briquettes with good physical and mechanical properties.