Upgrading the fuel properties of hydrochar by co-hydrothermal carbonisation of dairy manure and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi): product characterisation, thermal behaviour, kinetics and thermodynamic properties

Abstract This study investigated co-hydrothermal carbonisation (co-HTC) of dairy manure (DM) and wood shavings from Larix kaempferi , commonly known as the Japanese larch (JL) to enhance fuel properties resulting hydrochar. The JL was mixed with DM at 25, 50 75 wt.% ratios. Co-HTC conducted 260 °C for 20 min. hydrochars were characterised based on physicochemical thermal behaviour. Results showed that hydrochar solid biofuel improved ratio increased. produced in region lignite closed coal increased fixed carbon, carbon contents lowered H/C O/C Hydrochar ash content 7.2 ± 0.5% obtained JL. In addition, HHV remarkably 26.4 0.02 MJ/kg mass surface morphology altered became distinct while specific area (SSA) total pore volume (TPV) increasing functional groups also by co-HTC process. A decline combustion performance observed after HTC process but kinetic analysis revealed activation energy decreased a higher value Therefore, production has proved be an effective promising source. Graphical abstract