-The quality of the briquetteswas assessed through the following analyses: immediate chemical analysis (volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content) and higher heating value; density, determined by the method of mercury immersion, according to Vital [25]; compressive strength, according to the Brazilian standard NBR 7190 e Annex B [26]; and hygroscopic moisture equilibrium content, determined after packaging the briquettes in a temperature of 25 oC with a 65% relative moisture levels in a climatic
chamber until they reached a constant mass.