Alternative fuels from waste cellulosic substrates and poly furfuryl alcohol

Abstract

This paper provides methods for manufacturing alternative fuels from waste cellulosic substrates reinforced by poly furfuryl alcohol (PFA). PFA, as a matrix, is obtained from the condensation polymerization of furfuryl alcohol – a waste of sugarcane bagasse. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of natural cellulosic substrates derived from, for example, plants such as hemp, ramie, pineapple, abaca but not limited to these. Forest residues and wood chips can also be used as the cellulosic substrates. ISO 5660-1 standards were used to compare the calorific values of the PFA reinforced cellulosic alternative fuels and the existing fossil fuels especially coal as well as cellulosic materials. The calorific value of the cellulosic substrates in any form varies from 5.4 MJ/kg to 16.3 MJ/kg. Reinforcement of cellulosic substrates with PFA increases the calorific values in the range of 18.9–25.09 MJ/kg. The authors have shown by their novel research that PFA based cellulosic fuels provided herein can be used as effective alternative fuels with heat release/calorific values comparable to any varieties of existing coal.