Optimization of Biomass Briquettes from Red Meranti (Shorea Leprosula Miq.) and Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper) for Sustainable Energy Production

Charcoal briquettes produced from lignocellulosic biomass represent a renewable alternative to fossil fuels for household cooking and small-scale energy use. This study assessed the influence of raw material composition on the physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of briquettes made from red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) wood waste and betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper). A Completely Randomized Design with five treatment ratios—100% red meranti, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 100% bamboo—was applied with five replications for density, moisture content, compressive strength, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon, and three replications for calorific value. Results showed that 100% red meranti briquettes had the highest calorific value (6647.91 cal/g) and fixed carbon content (68.18%). The 75% red meranti + 25% bamboo treatment exhibited the most balanced performance, with good density, compressive strength, moderate ash content, and high calorific value (6288.60 cal/g). Increasing bamboo proportion improved density and volatile matter but lowered calorific value. Overall, red meranti-dominant briquettes provide superior energy quality, while mixed compositions offer a balanced alternative for sustainable domestic fuel production from local biomass resources