Characteristics of Biopellets Manufactured from Various Lignocellulosic Feedstocks as Alternative Renewable Energy Sources

The increased valorization of renewable and cost-effective lignocellulosic feedstocks represents a viable, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach toward the production of biopellets as alternative energy sources. The aim of this research work was to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of using various lignocellulosic raw materials, i.e., raru (Cotylelobium melanoxylon), mangrove (Rhizophora spp.), sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), kemenyan toba (Styrax sumatrana), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), manau rattan (Calamus manan), and belangke bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens) for manufacturing biopellets with different particle sizes. The raw materials used were tested for their moisture content, specific gravity, ash, cellulose, and lignin content. In addition, thermal analyses, i.e., calorific values, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were performed. The following properties of the biopellets produced were investigated: moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, density, and thermal analyses. Based on an analysis of the raw materials, raru had the lowest moisture content (12%) and ash content (1.5%) and the highest specific gravity (1.2). Markedly, palm oil stem had the highest α-cellulose (55%) and lignin (37%) content. In accordance with the SNI 8675:2018 standard requirements, biopellets with optimal properties (moisture content of 1.4%, ash content of 0.79%, density of 1.09 g/m, calorific value of 4672 cal/g, and TGA residue of 13.9%), were manufactured from raru wood.