Review and experimental analysis of oxidative torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and rice husk in concrete

DOI registering

Abstract

The growing global emphasis on sustainable, low-carbon energy has intensified interest in biomass as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels, with torrefaction emerging as an effective thermal pretreatment for enhancing fuel properties, particularly for co-firing in coal-based power plants. This study examines the oxidative torrefaction of three widely available lignocellulosic residues sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, and rice husk processed at 200, 250, and 300 °C for 30 min under ambient air conditions to simulate oxidative environments. Fuel quality improvements and physicochemical transformations were assessed using proximate analysis, calorific value measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that oxidative torrefaction significantly enhances biomass characteristics by increasing fixed carbon content, reducing moisture and volatile matter, and improving calorific value. Among the materials studied, sawdust exhibited the most pronounced enhancement, attaining a calorific value of 5941,53 kcal/kg and the highest carbon concentration, followed by sugarcane bagasse, while rice husk showed moderate improvement due to its higher ash and silica content. Overall, the findings demonstrate the suitability of torrefied biomass for integration into existing coal-fired systems, supporting emission reduction, cleaner energy generation, and alignment with India’s energy transition and carbon mitigation objectives.