Development and characterization of Biochar from matooke and cassava peelings for briquettes.

Abstract

This final year project report focuses on the development and characterization of biochar as a valuable by-product of organic waste particularly matooke and cassava peelings as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. The methodology involves pyrolysis, a thermochemical conversion technique, to convert the peelings into a carbon rich product. This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the key parameters influencing bio char production, including temperature, residence time and feedstock composition. Various compositions of biochar from matooke and cassava peelings will be mixed to attain various compositions of a composite biochar. By employing various characterization techniques such as FTIR, bulk density and moisture content analysis some of the properties of the peelings and the various compositions of the composite biochar will be determined. The composition of the composite biochar with the best properties will then be used to produce briquettes which will then be tested using various techniques such as the bomb calorimetry, thermal conductivity, particle density and the conventional oven method. The findings from our study will therefore contribute to the already existing knowledge on biochar production from food wastes and will therefore provide a foundation for future studies in optimizing biochar production processes and exploring its application as a biofuel.