Pengaruh Formulasi Serbuk Kayu dan Perekat terhadap Karakteristik Dasar Briket Arang Kayu Ulin

Charcoal briquettes are a type of biomass-based alternative fuel regarded as having greater ecological compatibility and economically advantageous compared to fossil fuels. The present study is intended to transform ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) sawdust waste into charcoal briquettes, utilizing tapioca starch binder in varying proportions. The research methods include the carbonization of ironwood sawdust, charcoal pulverization, mixing with tapioca binder, moulding, drying, and evaluation of the briquettes’ physical and chemical attributes. The findings reveal that the proportion of sawdust to binder has no influence on the density, moisture content, or volatile matter of the briquettes; however, it markedly affects the ash content. The calorific values of all the samples comply with the quality requirements specified in SNI 01-6235-2000, although the volatile matter content exceeds the permissible limit. The briquette with formulation C (formulation of sawdust, tapioca, and water namely 2000 g, 300 g, and 300 ml) demonstrated the most optimal performance, with the highest calorific value. This study confirms that ironwood sawdust waste can be effectively utilized in the manufacture of superior charcoal briquettes, representing a sustainable and economically attractive substitute for conventional energy source.