Studies on the Influence of Compaction Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Oak Sawdust Briquettes

The paper presents research on the compaction process of oak sawdust as a proposal for the management of post-production waste. The variable input parameters whose influence was studied were the particle size of the sawdust, the compaction force, the temperature of the compaction process, and the moisture content of the sawdust. The results obtained were used to determine the density of the briquette and the value of its Young's modulus obtained from each test sample. The interaction between the input parameters as variables in the tests and the determined values of density and Young's modulus was analyzed using ANOVA. The highest density value was recorded for the lowest particle size, the highest compaction force and compaction temperature, and a moisture content of 9%. The highest Young's modulus E value was recorded for a moisture content of 9%, a compaction force of 25 kN, a temperature of 25 °C, and a particle size of S < 1 mm. Variance analysis enabled the optimal selection of compaction process parameters, where the main criterion in general terms was to minimize the energy consumption of the compaction process. The best mechanical properties of the briquette can be obtained for process settings of F = 5 kN, M = 20%, T = 25 °C, S = 2.5-5 mm.