Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
Coal–biomass co-firing is a practical approach to reducing the environmental impact of coal-based energy systems; however, differences in fuel properties often limit performance. This study investigates the role of organic binders, starch, molasses, and cellulose at varying amounts (5–25 g) in improving the physicochemical properties of coal–biomass blends. Key parameters evaluated include ignition temperature, ignition time, burnout rate, heat release rate (HRR), proximate and ultimate composition, and calorific value. Results show that binder type and proportion significantly influence combustion behavior. Cellulose exhibited superior performance, with optimal results at 15 g, achieving the lowest ignition temperature (326°C), shortest ignition time (12.0 s), highest burnout rate (0.541%/s), and peak HRR (34.0 kW), alongside improved calorific value (27.25 MJ/kg) and reduced nitrogen and sulfur contents. Starch showed moderate and stable performance at 15 g with ignition temperature (323.6 °C), ignition time (21.0 s), burnout rate (0.478%/s), HRR (21.2 kW), and calorific value (25.27 MJ/kg), while molasses performed least at the same binder proportions with ignition temperature (378 °C), ignition time (24.8 s), burnout rate (0.479%/s), HRR (17.4 kW), and calorific value (25.55), indicating that molasses has moisture retention and an increase in ash deposit propensity. Excess binder addition (>20 g) led to performance decline; thus, ≤20 g is recommended
