Performance Efficiency of Binding Agents in Coconut Charcoal Briquettes

Coconut charcoal briquettes are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional charcoal, with their performance significantly influenced by the type of binding agent used. This study evaluates five binding agents—cassava starch, paper, clay, coco peat, and banana peel—by analyzing key combustion parameters: burning time, ignition time, and ash content. Results indicate that cassava starch provided the longest burning time (146 ± 5 min) and highest heat content (570 ± 10°C), making it the most efficient binder. Paper exhibited the fastest ignition time (25 ± 2 s) and lowest ash content (17 ± 1 g), highlighting its suitability for rapid combustion applications. Clay-based briquettes demonstrated the shortest burning time (54 ± 3 min) and highest ash content (48 ± 2 g), limiting its efficiency. Coco peat and banana peel showed moderate performance, with balanced combustion properties. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the binders. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing binder selection for sustainable biofuel production.