EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY OF BRIQUETTES PRODUCED FROM SAWDUST OF DIFFERENT WOOD SPECIES USING STARCH AS BINDER

The study examined the physical properties and combustion efficiency of briquettes produced from sawdust three selected wood species namely Albizia adianthifolia, Pinus caribbeae Blighia sapida for household energy utilization. effect binder (cassava starch) on briquette was also assessed. binders were mixed at ratios 150:15, 150:30, 150:50 in grams respectively. Combustion related such as percentage fixed carbon, volatile matter, ash content calorific values evaluated. data obtained analyzed using 3x3 factorial a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).The result showed that samples adianthifolia had highest 8559kcal/kg 7552 kcal/kg Percentage matter varied 91.44% (Pinus caribbeae), 92.215% (Albizia adianthifolia) 93.44% (Blighia sapida). Density 0.009g/cm3 (Blighiasapida), 0.099g/cm3 0.093g/cm3 adianthifolia). results there significant differences (p < 0.05) density briquettes. There however no content, carbon 0.05). relative high indicate they can be good source domestic industrial use.