Assessment of physical and energetic characteristics of pellets produced from Elaeis guineensis shells, Cocos nucifera fibers and Distemonanthus benthamianus sawdust
Emmanuel Nguidjol Nguimbous,
Laboratory of Process Engineering, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
Bill Vaneck Bôt*,
Department of Environmental Engineering, National Advanced School of Publics Works, PO Box 510, Yaoundé-Cameroon
Achille Nouga Bissoue,
Laboratory of Process Engineering, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
Théophile Vitoussia,
Laboratory of Mechanics and Adapted Materials, Advanced Teacher’s Training College for Technical Education, PO Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon PO Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon
Pierre Loti Watat Kamga,
Laboratory of Process Engineering, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
David Nana Dieudjio,
Laboratory of Process Engineering, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon Ebenezer Njeugna,
* Corresponding Author: Bill Vaneck Bôt,
PhD at the National Advanced School of Publics Works, PO Box 510, Yaoundé-Cameroon bill.vaneck@enstp.cm,
+237 694485479
To Cite: Nguimbous et al. (2026), Assessment of physical and energetic characteristics of pellets produced from Elaeis guineensis shells, Cocos nucifera fibers and Distemonanthus benthamianus sawdust. Journal of Tertiary and Industrial Sciences, JTIS, 6(1), 133–152. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18688281
Submission Date: 03/12 /2025 Acceptation Date: 28/01/2026
Abstract
This study seeks to examine the sustainable energy valorisation of three Cameroonian biomass residues—palm nut (Elaeis guineensis) shells, coconut (Cocos nucifera) fibres, and movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus) sawdust—via pelletisation. The raw materials were first dried, milled, and sieved, then formulated into pellets without any binders. Key physical and thermal characteristics, including moisture content, higher calorific value (HCV), volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon, were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), was applied to assess thermal behaviour. The principal results indicate that palm nut shells showed the highest calorific value (18.89 MJ/kg), whereas coconut fibres presented the lowest (16.43 MJ/kg). Among the mixtures, pellets containing 10% fibres, 30% movingui sawdust, and 60% palm nut shells (10F30M60C) displayed the greatest energy potential, with an HCV of 25.07 MJ/kg and a fixed carbon content of 24.94%. TGA profiles indicated that blended pellets decomposed over a broader temperature interval (200°C–565°C), reflecting enhanced thermal stability relative to unblended residues. The findings indicate that these biomass combinations may represent viable alternatives to firewood and fossil fuels for domestic heating, as their characteristics closely align with international references. This study contributes to sustainable biomass utilisation strategies and reinforces energy diversification efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.