Experimental Study on Compression Moulding of Carya cathayensis Husks at Room Temperature

Using crushed hickory husks as raw materials, a single factor test was carried out on a hydraulic-plunger forming machine with different moisture contents and length–diameter ratios (LDRs) of forming mould in order to obtain biomass moulding fuel (BMF) briquettes. The moulding pressure in the forming mould was measured by the sensor, and the microstructures of the BMF briquettes were observed via stereomicroscope. Results showed that hickory husks could be compressed and formed into BMF briquettes at room temperature. When the moisture content of the raw materials was 14 percent and LDR of the forming mould was 4.5, the quality of BMF was best, and relaxation density of the BMF briquette was 0.98 g/cm3. When the moisture content stayed same, the forming pressure increased correspondingly with the increase of the LDR of the forming mould. When the LDR of the forming mould stayed the same, the moulding pressure increased first and then decreased with increase of moisture content. This study is of great significance because it demonstrates improvement in the utilization range of hickory husks, with the potential for reducing environmental pollution and increasing farmers’ income.