Quality of Charcoal Briquettes from Sawdust Waste of Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri) and Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera) Based on Variations in Ratio and Particle Size

Abstract

Abstract The industrial revolution and the improvement in living standards of developing countries have caused serious environmental problems. Energy consumption has been steadily increasing over the years due to the increasing world population. Alternative energy is energy that does not come from fossil fuels. Charcoal briquettes are an alternative fuel made mostly from biomass. Charcoal briquettes, a mixture of sawdust waste of ulin and coconut shells, are alternative energy substitutes for fossil fuels. This study aims to determine the benefits of ulin and coconut shell as renewable energy such as charcoal briquettes, as well as determine the effect of variations in the ratio and particle size of ulin charcoal and coconut shell charcoal on the quality of charcoal briquettes. The research method uses a Factorial Experiment Design with 3 repetitions for testing moisture content, volatile substance levels, ash content, and fixed carbon levels. As for testing the calorific value, 2 repetitions were carried out. The results showed charcoal briquettes with optimal results were found in A1B5 treatment (particle size 40 mesh with a ratio of 100% coconut shell particle) with a moisture content value of 5.27%, ash content of 1.37%, and a calorific value of 6998.19 cal/g. The content, ash content, and calorific value produced from the briquettes have met SNI No. 01-6235-2000 standards.