Synergistic Effect of Mineral–Organic Interaction on Thermal Stability and Soot Reduction in Meranti Wood Briquettes

Abstract:

The increasing demand for clean and sustainable solid fuels has drawn attention to biomass briquettes as an alternative energy source. This study investigates the synergistic effect of mineral–organic interaction on the thermal stability and combustion characteristics of Meranti wood briquettes. Four briquette formulations were prepared: control (Meranti wood + 10% starch binder), and samples with additional eggshell powder at 0.5% and 1%, as well as limestone at 1%. Proximate analysis, calorific value measurement, and thermal analysis (TGA–DTA) were conducted to evaluate fuel properties. The results revealed that the addition of eggshell significantly reduced volatile matter (from 34.37% in the control to 27.06% at 1% addition), increased fixed carbon (up to 61.92%), and moderately raised ash content. Thermal analysis indicated a remarkable shift in decomposition onset from ~349 °C (control) to ~452 °C (+1% eggshell), suggesting improved char stability and delayed volatile release. In contrast, limestone addition drastically increased ash content (28.6%) and decreased calorific value (3956 cal/g), indicating poor suitability. The findings confirm that small additions of eggshell act as a mineral stabilizer, enhancing thermal stability and reducing soot formation while maintaining acceptable energy density. The synergistic role of calcium-rich additives and organic binder presents a promising approach to improving the combustion quality of biomass briquettes.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 38)
• Pages: 21-29
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Q3nDfu
• Online since: June 2026
• Authors: Teguh Suprianto*, Darmansyah Darmansyah, Abdul Rajab
• Keywords: Eggshell Additive, Meranti Wood Briquettes, Mineral–Organic Synergy, Soot Reduction, TGA–DTA, Thermal Stability

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