Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) (TA Instruments model SDT – Q600) were used to
characterize the ashes and briquettes (humidity, organic and inorganic
concentrations and the homogeneity of the charcoal/binder
blend). The calorific value (average value of three samples) was
determined using a bomb calorimeter system (Perkin Elmer model
KL-5) according to the guidelines of the Brazilian normalization(ABNT, 1984). The chemical composition of the ash was determined
by X-ray fluorescence (Shimadzu, model XRF – 1800)