Exploration and Analysis of Fuel Briquettes Produced from Areca Leaves as a Promising Renewable Energy Alternative

In rural areas, areca leaves are typically chopped and either left to decompose at the base of areca trees or utilized as temporary shelter materials. This study investigates the potential of areca leaves as a sustainable fuel alternative by converting them into briquettes. The briquettes were produced using areca leaves of various particle sizes, with sawdust serving as an additive and wheat flour functioning as a binder. To evaluate the fuel properties, a proximate analysis was carried out to determine the moisture, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon. This was done following the IS1350-1 standard, while the elemental composition—specifically sulphur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen—was assessed through ultimate analysis. Additionally, the gross calorific value (GCV) was determined in accordance with the IS1448-7 standard. The analysis revealed that briquettes made from areca leaf particles sized at 850μ exhibited the highest GCV of 14.57 MJ/kg, outperforming those made from particles of sizes 1700μ and above, 600μ, and 425μ. The results of both proximate and ultimate analyses were encouraging, indicating that the briquettes possess desirable physical and chemical characteristics, such as low moisture content (8.08%) and minimal ash residue (1.47%). Furthermore, the environmental impact of these briquettes is minimal due to their low sulphur (0.65%) and nitrogen (0.61%) levels. Consequently, producing briquettes from 850μ areca leaf particles, with sawdust as an additive, offers a high-quality, eco- friendly biomass fuel suitable for both domestic and industrial applications.