Due to the growing need for energy and more sustainable use of resources, the use of wood biomass is becoming increasingly important. One modern type of solid biofuel is wood pellets, with a high energy density, low transport and storage costs, easier handling, less pollution, the possibility of automation and high rate optimization of production. In this research, the wood biomass from five invasive alien species (horse chestnut, boxelder maple, black locust, honey locust and tree of heaven) and spruce, as well as mixtures (blends) of spruce and alien species, were used to produce 16 different combinations of pellets. The most important physical and mechanical pellet properties (moisture content, bulk density, mechanical durability, ash content) were determined. The results were compared with the values specified for the quality classes in the standard SIST EN ISO 17225-2. The moisture content and bulk density of all manufactured pellet types (combinations) met the quality requirements of the standard. The mechanical durability of the manufactured pellets did not meet the requirements of the standard, as the mechanical durability of denser wood species was higher. The results show that the preparation and type of raw material strongly influences the pelletizing process and pellet quality. Black locust, honey locust and tree of heaven appear to have the highest potential for pellet production.
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