Lignin as both fuel and fusing binder in briquetted anthracite fines for foundry coke substitute

We found that lignin can serve as both fuel and binder in briquetted anthracite fines, which can replace coke in foundry cupolas. Our results show that lignin fuses strongly at high temperatures due in part to its phenolic-aromatic structure. These briquettes included (waste) anthracite fines, lignin, collagen, and silicon. The collagen provided ambient temperature strength, while the lignin fused to provide 320-900 psi unconfined compressive strength at 900°C; and; and 200-300 psi strength at 1400°C. Increased lignin incorporation has yielded higher briquette strengths; and the silicon reacted with the lignin and anthracite to form a strong SiC nanowire exoskeleton at 1400oC. These strengths develop in-situ in a cupola; and thus eliminate the need for the 15-20% energy consumed during conventional coke-making.