Potential of Industrial Sludge and Textile Solid Wastes for Biomass Briquettes with Avocado Peels as Binder

Abstract Producing biomass briquettes from industrial solid wastes is a more environmentally friendly way to provide alternative energy and is essential for Ethiopia to satisfy its growing energy needs while also ensuring efficient waste management in the expansion of industrial parks. The main objective of this study is to produce biomass briquette from a mixture of textile sludge and cotton residue using avocado peels as a binder. Avocado peels, sludge, and textile solid wastes (cotton residue) were collected at Addis Ababa and the Hawassa industrial park. They were then dried, carbonized, and crushed into powder. Briquettes made from the mixture of industrial sludge and cotton residue were combined in various ratios: 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 with the same amount of binder, avocado peels. Briquettes were then made using hand press mold and sun-dried for two weeks. The results showed that the formed biomass briquettes had moisture contents, calorific values, bulk densities, and burning rates that ranged from 5.03 to 8.04%, 11.19 to 17.2 MJ/kg, 0.21 to 0.41 g/cm3, and 2.92 to 8.75 g/min, respectively. The most effective briquette was proven to be 50:50. The binding and heating value of the briquette was greatly enhanced by introducing avocado peels. Hence, biomass briquette made from sludge and solid wastes using avocado peels binder is a promising source of energy for cooking and heating in homes and small enterprises. Additionally, it can also promote proper waste management and provide young people with employment prospects.