Improving the Properties of Cashew Nutshell Press Cake Briquettes through Geo-sourced Materials as Binders: a Comparative Optimization Approach

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2026

Journal Name

Chemistry Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of organic (starch) and inorganic binders (laterite, bentonite) on the mechanical and thermal properties of cashew nutshell press cake (CNSPC) briquettes, utilising response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize density, durability, compressive strength, Higher Heating Value (HHV), and burning rate. Starch binder briquettes (CNSPC/SB) had the highest HHV (25.07 MJ/kg), compared to bentonite (CNSPC/BB, 22.75 MJ/kg) and laterite (CNSPC/LB, 21.28 MJ/kg). Laterite and bentonite briquettes exhibited higher densities (1276.18 kg/m³ and 1238.08 kg/m³) and compressive strengths (0.48 MPa and 0.36 MPa). The accurate profile of burning rates was highest with laterite (3.79 g/min) and bentonite (4.15 g/min) compared to the CNSPC/SB (4.53 g/min). Silica () and alumina () in CNSPC/LB and CNSPC/BB improved combustion stability, while high iron oxide () in laterite (15.43%) enhanced CNSPC/LB’s burning rate, suitable for high-temperature demands like combustion and gasification. In addition, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis has demonstrated that inorganic binders improve combustion properties and thermal efficiency, as indicated by a higher Combustion Index (), Ignition Performance Index (), Combustion Performance Index (), Combustion Stability Index (). The mechanical and thermal properties of CNSPC briquettes enhanced with inorganic material demonstrate strong potential a

Keywords

Properties, Cashew Nutshell, Cake Briquettes, Geo-sourced Materials, Binders, Comparative Optimization

Rsif Scholar Name

Francisco Renato Pinto

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Mozambique

Cohort

Cohort 4

Thematic Area

Energy including Renewables

Africa Host University (AHU)

Institut International D'ingénierie De L'eau Et De L'environnement (2iE), Burkina Faso

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