Physico-Chemical Characterization of Leucaena leucocephala Biomass for Solid-Fuel Production

The use of biomass as raw material in renewable energy production has been studied as alternative source to fossil fuels. The aim of the current study is to physicochemical characterization of the biomass of Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) tree species in order to produce briquettes. Leucaena wood treated with three moisture levels -T1 (10%), T2 (12%) and T3 (15%) -was used to produce briquettes. The study was divided in the following stages: analyzing the grinding material and the lignin and cellulose particle size distribution, chemical analysis, calorific value determination, briquetting and mechanical testing. The results were statistically analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey tests. The species showed satisfactory performance in the following assessed aspects: lignin content (22.61%), ash content (2.15%), and calorific value (4442.29 kcal. kg(-1)). As for the influence of the moisture content, the best results were found in treatment T2 (12%), wherein the mean maximum force was 51.22 kgf, the maximum strain was 0.41 MPa, and friability was 4.07%. It was shown that the moisture content briquettes stability and strength. The species showed satisfactory features regarding the purpose suggested for all treatments, as well as its potential to be used in bioenergy production.