Granulation of lignocellulosic powders

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass required to be densified into pellets/granules to improve handling and storage properties and to reduce cost of transport and storage. A novel wet granulation technology was proposed to granulate pine and switchgrass powders with corn starch. The physical and flow properties of biomass powders were studied at five particle size levels and three moisture levels. Small size particles with high moisture content had lower flowability due to high angle of repose. Granulation of pine powders having a mean size of 135 μm with 5% (w/w) corn starch binder solution produced granules with highest density and hardness. Pretreated switchgrass powders with 20% quick lime loading rate had produced the highest density granules with the least amount of soldium alginate-corn starch binder requirement. Wet granulation of lignocellulosic biomass powders can produce high density granules for efficient handling, transport and storage.