Utilization of Coconut Shell Charcoal for Biobriquettes (Study on Charcoal Size and Molasses Concentration) Arie Febrianto Mulyadi*, Daffa Reza Fahlevi, Beauty Suestining Diyah Dewanti
Department of Agro-Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran No.1, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*Email: arie_febrianto[at]ub.ac.id
Abstract
Coconut shell charcoal residue, the byproduct of burning coconut shells, can be utilized to produce biobriquettes as an environmentally friendly alternative energy source. UD. Putra Temu Rejeki is one of the producers of biobriquettes made from this residue. However, the existing issue is the irregularity in the size of the charcoal residue used. The addition of molasses in biobriquette production is expected to increase the calorific value while reducing moisture content and ash content. This study aims to analyze the effects of charcoal size and molasses concentration on the physical and chemical properties of biobriquettes, as well as to determine the optimal combination of these two factors. The study uses a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors: charcoal size variations (20 mesh, 40 mesh, and 60 mesh) and molasses concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30% w/w). The parameters tested include moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, calorific value, density, and fixed carbon. The results indicate that charcoal size, molasses concentration, and their interaction significantly affect moisture content and calorific value. The best treatment was found to be with a charcoal size of 60 mesh and a molasses concentration of 20%.
