Characteristic modification of alkalized corn stalk and contribution to the bonding mechanism of fuel briquette. (15th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Xian; Wu, Zhicheng; Han, Yahong; Han, Lujia
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 133(2017)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2017-08-15
• Subjects: Corn stalk -- Biomass briquette -- Alkaline treatment -- Bonding mechanism; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.05.083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, corn stalk was alkalized by gradient concentrations of sodium hydroxide and briquetted with anthracite coal. The bonding mechanism was explored by a combined analysis of physicochemical, microstructure and mechanical properties. Alkaline treatment had a large effect on decomposing most of lignin and dissolving the carbohydrates in corn stalk even at a low concentration of 1%. With the increase in alkaline concentration (for 1%–2%), the degree of decomposition of hemicellulose and amorphous cellulose increased gradually. When the concentration of alkaline reagent was higher than 3%, more than 40% of hemicellulose was degraded. A complete surface structure of a spatial network was achieved when corn stalk was treated by 2% alkaline, which mainly contributed to the bonding performance of compound briquette. Under this condition, the ratio of cellulose to hemicellulose to lignin was approximately 7.0:2.5:0.5, and it also exhibited a good pyrolysis performance for energy conversion. Highlights: Cornstalk was modified by gradient-concentration alkaline and briquetted with coal. Bonding mechanisms were explored by combined physicochemical characteristic Analysis. The optimal fibrous constituents and performance were found in 2% alkaline treatment. The optimal ratio of cellulose:hemicellulose:lignin was 7.0:2.5:0.5 for bonding. Formed spatial network structure of the solid fraction mainly contributed to bonding.