Waste furniture-derived biofuel production through steam explosion torrefaction

Abstract Bioenergy utilizing carbon-neutral biomass is significant for power generation. For economic feasibility and to avoid food vs. energy issues, various types of waste biomass have been studied as renewable feedstock. Herein, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board (PB), which are main components of waste furniture, were used for steam explosion torrefaction. The optimum torrefaction conditions were controlled by the severity index (Ro), resulting in an optimum Ro of 3.72 and 4.01 for MDF and PB, respectively. Additionally, steam explosion torrefied MDF and PB were suitable for Bio-Solid Refuse Fuel (SRF) quality standard, thereby indicating that steam explosion-torrefied MDF and PB can use for solid-type biofuel. This is the first report presenting the potential of waste furniture as a biofuel source for power generation. The results provide insights on the valorization of municipal waste (e.g., waste furniture) and suggest strategies to address recent climate crisis by providing solutions for waste management.