New insights on the use of agroindustrial waste from fruit processing for the production of briquettes for food smoking
Name: FABÍOLA MARTINS DELATORRE
Publication date: 28/02/2025
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| ÁLISON MOREIRA DA SILVA | Examinador Externo |
| ANANIAS FRANCISCO DIAS JUNIOR | Presidente |
| SUZANA MARIA DELLA LUCIA | Examinador Externo |
| YURI FERREIRA DA SILVA | Examinador Externo |
Summary: The impacts of agro-industrial residues from Citrus sinensis, Passiflora edulis and Vitis vinifera on the quality of briquettes used as solid fuel for smoking food are not fully understood, specifically with regard to residues from the peels of these fruits. In addition, this research presents new information on the presence of chemical compounds. Aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, ketones and furans, in agro-industrial residues that can influence the sensory profile and efficiency of the smoking process. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the properties of agro-industrial residues and the briquettes produced from them, evaluating their potential and viability for use in the food smoking process. Mixtures of Citrus sinensis, Passiflora edulis and Vitis vinifera and charcoal fines were analyzed and subsequently compacted in a briquetting machine at a temperature of 80°C and a pressure of 500 psi for five minutes. The physical, chemical and thermal properties of the agro-industrial waste were analyzed and the occurrence of organic compounds responsible for the emissions of these biomasses was determined by Gas Chromatography-MS (GC-MS) analysis, while the thermal characteristics were evaluated by Thermogravimetry (TGA) and the characterization of chemical bonds was obtained by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The produced briquettes were evaluated for their physical, chemical, mechanical, energetic, and thermal properties. In addition, morphological analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The addition of charcoal fines decreased the pH, increased the energy density and improved the thermal stability of the briquettes. The briquettes with the best potential were those produced with Vitis vinifera, presenting higher lignin content (27.62%), low ash content (3.5%), low volumetric expansion (1.39%), high mechanical strength (186 kgf), high energy density (5.68 Gcal.m–3) and combustibility index (0.42). Aromatic hydrocarbons were the most representative compounds in all biomasses evaluated, followed by phenols, ketones and furans. In short, agro-industrial waste, specifically from Vitis vinifera, can be a sustainable strategy
