Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been proven to improve the fuel
properties of low-ash straw biomass. To explore the effect of HTC on
high-ash straw biomass, the fuel properties and combustion behavior of
hydrochar prepared by high-ash rice straw and corn straw at different
temperature were studied. The results showed that increased reaction
temperature could improve the C content, fixed carbon, heating value and
fuel ratios (FC/VM) in high-ash straw hydrochars, which is similar to the
change trend of low-ash biomass. The hydrochar prepared at 260?C has
similar H/C and O/C atomic ratios and FC/VM to lignite. In addition, the
highest energetic recovery efficiency is obtained at 200?C. While at 180?C, the comprehensive combustion characteristic index of the hydrochar is
the best, which is 5.04?10-11 (min-2?K-3) and 6.42?10-11 (min-2?K-3). In
addition, the C content in the hydrochars at 180?C was lower than the raw
material, and the ash content increases with the reaction temperature, which
is quite different from the low-ash biomass. In conclusion, the HTC could
improve the fuel quality of high-ash straw, while its ash content remains at
a high level.