Effect of process parameters and raw material characteristics on physical and mechanical properties of wood pellets made from sugar maple particles

The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of process parameters and raw material characteristics on physical and mechanical properties of wood pellets made from particles of sugar maple trees of different vigor. Pellets were made in a single pelletizer while controlling temperature (75, 100 and 125 °C), moisture content (8.1, 11.2 and 17.2%), compression force (1500, 2000 and 2500 N) and particle size (<0.25, 0.25–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 mm). Particle size was the most important factor influencing friction in the die, followed by moisture content, compression force and temperature. Moisture content was the most important factor affecting pellet density, followed by temperature, compression force and raw material particle size. Temperature was the most important factor for pellet compression strength, followed by compression force, particle size and moisture content. Friction in the die decreased with increasing particle size and moisture content of the material and increased with increasing compression force. It decreased initially with increasing temperature from 75 °C to 100 °C, and then increased with temperature. Density and strength of pellets increased with temperature and compression force, decreased with increasing particle size, and decreased with increasing moisture content. Pelletizing should be performed at 100 °C to minimize friction and a moisture content of 11.2% to maximize density and compression strength of the pellets. Wood particles from sugar maple trees of low vigor were more suitable for making wood pellets in terms of friction in the pelletizer and compression strength than those from vigorous trees.