Paper Title
Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization of Spent Coffee Ground Briquettes as an Alternative Fuel to Firewood

Abstract
Several studies have been developed worldwide to find alternative fuels that can contribute to minimizing global warming impacts. In addition, most of the population in rural areas in developing countries uses firewood as the only source of energy due to the lack of gas, electricity, or distilled fuels. The exposition to smoke released during the combustion process causes serious lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This project addresses the physicochemical and mechanical behavior of briquettes made of spent coffee grounds (SCG) blended with recycled newsprint (NP) to compare their performance against firewood, coal, and other briquettes from different biomasses. Batches of briquettes SCG: NP in proportions 50:50, 70:30, and 80:20 weight were elaborated to evaluate the properties. The results were analyzed under NTC 2060 and EN 15210 standards and compared to similar studies globally. Although many parameters did not reach established values, this solid fuel is a potential alternative to replace firewood and coal, especially in places with no other energy source. Keywords - Briquetting, Biomass Briquettes, Solid Bio fuels, Spent Coffee Ground.