Manufacturing high-performance formcoke from pulverized coal using potato residue-based biomass binders

Formcoke is a more favorable and cleaner fuel than coal because of its high carbon content, high calorific value, and low ash content. The identification and sourcing of high-performance, cost-effective, and green binders for formcoke production from pulverized coal are required but remain a big challenge. Herein, potato residue was composited with magnesium chloride as a bio-based composite binder for the production of high-performance formcoke. The compression strength of the obtained formcoke was determined as 1967 N. The calorific value of the formcoke was in the same range as lumpy coal. Furthermore, the formcoke exhibited higher thermal stability and required more activation energy in the combustion process than briquette coal and pulverized coal. In addition, the pollutant emissions of the formcoke such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants of the combustion process were significantly less than those of pulverized coal. This research uses potato residue as the primary raw material to prepare a bio-based composite binder for the production of high-performance formcoke with the advantages of a simple manufacturing process, abundant availability, low price, and excellent performance. It provides a new application of potato residue and a high-performance binder preparation method for the production of high-performance formcoke. ► The briquette coal and formcoke prepared by potato residue based composite binder have high compressive properties. ► The formcoke has low volatility, good thermal stability and high energy requirement during combustion. ► Compared with pulverized coal, CO 2 , SO 2 and hydrocarbons produced by the formcoke combustion are significantly reduced.