Performance of softwood bark comminution technologies for determination of targeted particle size in further upcycling applications

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2020-10, Vol.269, p.122412, Article 122412
• Main Authors: Tudor, Eugenia Mariana, Zwickl, Christoph, Eichinger, Christian, Petutschnigg, Alexander, Barbu, Marius Cătălin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bark; Comminution; Drum chipper; Friction plate; Shredder; Softwood; Sound waves
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122412

Softwood bark is an important souce of biomass, extractive compounds and value-added products. The comminution of larch (Larix decidua Mill.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and spruce (Picea abies) bark planks is examined in this study, to give an overview of how to apply this knowledge for upcycled products made of bark, especially for bark-based composites. At the moment there is no specific industrial technology for size reduction of tree bark for advanced use in various compounds. Four crushing systems commonly used for other materials (e.g. mineral ores, plastic, wood, biomass) were scrutinized: crusher with sound waves, friction plate mill, 4-shaft shredder and drum chipper. Performance of equipment, sound and dust generation during operation, aspect, grain size and possible applications of the bark particles were analysed. The end product and the processes were assessed on a 1–10 scale. All three bark species fractionated well and with relative similar fraction yield profile. The yield of fine-grained particles was low and the major fractions were larger particles, i.e. from 1% to 20% of grains under 0.5 mm and from 17% to 100% of particles >4 mm. The 4-shaft shredder was the most appropriate tool for crushing the bark planks at industrial capacity. The ground particles cover a broad area of applications, from mulch to insulation or decorative panels. [Display omitted] •Breakage behaviour of softwood bark with four industrial scale size reduction equipment was analysed.•Grinding quality was tested through the grain size, dust generation, aspect and applications of the bark particles.•Friction plate mill, shredder and drum chipper generated ground bark for insulations, pallet blocks, flooring wear layers.•The yield of fine-grained particles was low (4 mm).•Impurities can mix with the ground bark and may cause more rapid wear of tools.