Open Conference Systems, The 3rd International Undergraduate Conference on Agriculture & Life Sciences

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Characteristics of Carbonized Corn Cob and Rice Husk Biopellets with Tapioca Starch and Clay Adhesive
Ratu Prameshwari, Ropiudin Ropiudin, Dian Windy Dwiasih, Kavadya Syska

Last modified: 2023-12-11

Abstract


Corn cobs and rice husks are abundant agricultural residues that can be utilized as potential raw materials for biochar pellets. The challenge in producing biochar pellets from these materials lies in their low mechanical strength and stability. This research aimed to investigate the influence of raw material composition and binders on the characteristics of biochar pellets, including density, ash content, moisture content, volatile matter, combustion rate, and shatter index. The research utilized a factorial pattern of Completely Randomized Design. The raw material composition factors included 60% corn cobs: 40% rice husks, 75% corn cobs: 25% rice husks, and 90% corn cobs: 10% rice husks. The binder composition factors consisted of 25% clay: 75% tapioca, 50% clay: 50% tapioca, and 75% clay: 25% tapioca. The ratio between the raw material mixture and the binder was 85:15. Variables tested in this research included density, ash content, moisture content, volatile matter, combustion rate, and shatter index. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the composition of raw materials and binders significantly influenced density, combustion rate, moisture content, ash content, and volatile matter. However, there was no significant effect on the shatter index. The optimal treatment for moisture and ash content was found at a raw material composition of 90% corn cobs: 10% rice husks and a binder composition of 25% clay: 75% tapioca. The characteristics of density, volatile matter, combustion rate, and shatter index were most optimal at a raw material composition of 60% corn cobs: 40% rice husks and a binder composition of 75% clay: 25% tapioca. This research provides insights into the use of tapioca flour and clay binders to enhance the characteristics of biochar pellets from the carbonization of corn cobs and rice husks. The implications of this research can serve as a basis for the development of biochar pellets using local biomass with optimal mechanical and thermal properties.