Uji Sifat Fisik dan Laju Pembakaran Terhadap Variasi Persentase Campuran Bagas Tebu dengan Batubara dalam Pembuatan Briket Biocoal

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources is a key strategy in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating their environmental impact. One promising alternative is biocoal briquettes, a solid fuel composed of a mixture of biomass and coal. This study investigates the effect of varying sugarcane bagasse content on the physical properties and combustion characteristics of biocoal briquettes. Four different bagasse-to-coal ratios (16%, 31.9%, 47.7%, and 63.7%) were evaluated, each with five replicates. Parameters analyzed include density, mechanical strengt, and combustion duration. Results indicate that increasing the proportion of bagasse generally decreases briquette density, with the highest density recorded at 16% bagasse (633.5 kg/m³) and the lowest at 63.7% bagasse (321.65 kg/m³). Additionally, higher bagasse content led to longer combustion times compared to pure coal briquettes. These findings highlight the need to optimize the composition to balance combustion efficiency, mechanical durability, and ease of ignition. This study contributes to the advancement of biocoal briquettes as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative energy source.