Optimized co-combustion of paper-making solid wastes via, genetic algorithm: synergistic enhancement and...

Amidst urgent needs for low-carbon fuels addressing energy and environmental challenges, this study investigates the untapped potential of paper-making solid waste as coal substitutes. By establishing a genetic algorithm-driven compatibility model to optimize blending ratios, we systematically evaluate coal replacement feasibility through multi-criteria assessment of combustion performance, gas emissions, and slagging tendencies. Results demonstrate distinct paper-making solid waste component behaviors, paper-making sludge exhibits superior combustion reactivity while paper-making waste residue achieve optimal comprehensive performance. The optimized blend delivers 44.98% faster ignition and 120 % higher combustion index versus coal, enabled by synergistic volatile interactions reducing activation energy. Environmentally significant CO₂ reductions (43.21 %) are offset by substantial organic volatile gases (93.02 %) and NO (337 %) emission increases. Elevated slagging risks emerge from alkaline oxides (CaO/Fe₂O₃) in residues. These findings confirm paper-making solid waste's PSW technical viability for coal substitution, though industrial implementation remains contingent on advanced flue gas treatment and slag management strategies to enable sustainable waste-to-energy conversion within circular economy frameworks.