Compression and relaxation properties of selected biomass for briquetting

Compression and relaxation properties of selected biomass for briquetting (barley, oat, canola and wheat straw) were investigated to determine the correlation with variables (pressure, particle size (hammer mill screen size) and moisture contents). The applied pressure ranged from 7.03 to 14.06 MPa. Three hammer mill screen sizes (19.05, 25.40 and 31.75 mm) were used to grind the biomass samples. The ground biomass materials were conditioned to moisture contents of 9%, 12% and 15% (w.b.). The results indicated that the compact density of biomass increased with increasing pressure and moisture content. The relaxation properties of selected materials were affected by the set variables. Biomass materials had a higher stress relaxation speed with higher applied pressure and lower moisture content. (C) 2016 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.