PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH INNOVATION: CONVERSION OF WOOD WASTE TO PELLETS

Abstract: Sustainability could be achieved by applying technological innovation to scientific principles. Applying knowledge-based capacity in creatively solving societal problems and as such provide economic empowerment. In this study, wood wastes (sawdust samples) Cetis africana (Ita white); Cordina millenni (Omo Sheda), and mixed sawdust (unclassified) were characterized for optimum condition and made into pellets. An in-house pelletiser of shape factor 2.78 was fabricated for this production. The particle size, binder modification, combustible properties, and calorific value showed that a sample with x ≤ 600 µm, 30% w/v binder concentration at a compressive pressure of 6.2Nm-2 gave the best result. The mixed sawdust sample gave results that were not consistent, requiring a proper initial understanding or sorting out. Cetis africana was observed as the best sample with good pellet quality that can be used in different heating systems. Meeting societal problems such as effective waste management aimed at curbing the negative impact of greenhouse gas emission on the environment and power generation in distributed form can be fast-tracked through innovative research and development which must be commercialised thus financially empowering the society at large.

Keywords: Sustainability, Technological innovation, Waste to wealth, Commercialisation