ANALYSIS OF THE STRENGHT AND COMBUSTION EFFICINCY OF COCONUT SHELL BRIQUETTES WITH MATRIX VARIATIONS

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the strength and combustion efficiency of coconut shell-based briquettes using variations in the type and concentration of binder matrices, namely tapioca flour, molasses, and wood glue, at concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20%. The strength test was conducted using the drop resistance method, while the combustion efficiency was analyzed using the gravimetric method based on the comparison between the initial mass of the briquette and the remaining ash residue after combustion. The results of the drop test showed that briquettes with tapioca flour and wood glue matrices had 100% resistance at all concentrations, while briquettes with molasses experienced the highest mass loss at 10% concentration, with a drop resistance of 81.82%. For combustion efficiency, briquettes with 15% tapioca flour matrices showed the highest efficiency at 31.93%, while the lowest efficiency was found in briquettes with 20% wood glue at 23.8%. Based on the test results, it can be concluded that the variation in matrix type significantly affects the characteristics of the briquettes. Tapioca flour was found to be the most optimal binder matrix in improving both the strength and combustion efficiency of coconut shell briquettes.