BRIQKTOS: Utilization of Candlenut Shells for Briquette

Raw Material with a Mixture of Chitosan Powder and Waste

Cooking Oil in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara as an
Environmentally Friendly Fuel Alternative
Ocza Aradya Siwi Rumanti1, Nindya ‘Aisyah Cahyaningrum2

Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

E-mail: apriliasufi@mail.ugm.ac.id

Abstract

Candlenut has become a superior plantation commodity offered by rural

communities in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The demand for candlenut
consumption, both domestically and internationally, is increasing due to the
increasingly open candlenut market. The processing of candlenuts carried out by
communities, especially in Ngada Regency, generates waste in the form of
candlenut shells that have not been effectively processed until now. Candlenut
shells are known to be able to be used as raw materials for making briquettes,
which are a renewable alternative energy source. Processed candlenut shells
originate from easily accessible biomass with high economic value and can be
utilized to replace fossil fuels. A mixture of chitosan powder and used cooking oil
in briquette production serves as a natural adhesive that can bind briquette
particles with good stability. Briquette production is carried out by carbonizing
candlenut shells through burning until they become charcoal, which is then ground
into powder. The powder is sieved and filtered with a size of 100 mesh and mixed
with a combination of chitosan powder and used cooking oil in a ratio of 6:2:2, then
poured into molds, compacted, and dried under sunlight for 3 days. Briquettes
should be stored in a dry place with controlled humidity. The resulting briquettes
have a longer-lasting and hotter flame. Briquettes made from candlenut shell waste
can reduce the amount of candlenut shell waste, decrease the consumption of
fossil fuels, increasing income in Ngada Regency, help preserve forests, reduce
environmental pollution, and be used for household purposes.

Keywords : alternative, briquette, candlenut, chitosan, waste cooking oil

Introduction

The management of natural resources has become an urgent issue for the
global community. Rapid population growth and the increasing demand for
resources in industrial centers are causing a scarcity of natural resources, one of
which is fossil energy. Currently, fossil energy in the form of coal remains the
primary energy supplier, accounting for nearly 40% of global electricity generation.
Beyond electricity generation, coal plays a crucial role as the main fuel in the
production of cement, steel, alumina processing, chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, and paper mills. The conversion of coal energy into electricity
generation has become a serious concern due to its predominantly negative
environmental impacts. The use of fossil fuels, particularly coal for electricity
generation, can increase emissions of particulates, CO2, NO2, and NOx.
Extensive use of coal-fired power plants can also elevate SO2 emissions, which
degrade air quality and have adverse effects on human health and the
environment.

One of the major cities in Indonesia, Jakarta, has alarming air quality conditions
that are classified as very dangerous. Research conducted by Greenpeace
indicates that coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) are the main cause of pollution in
Jakarta. Local PLTUs operate with impunity due to the absence of regulations and
emission standards for key pollutants. This is evidenced by the fact that PLTUs in
Indonesia emit significantly higher levels of SO2 compared to those in China and
India (Ruhiat et al., 2019). In addition to the impact of PLTUs, research conducted
by Santoso et al. shows that economic growth driven by industrial activities
contributes to air pollution in Jakarta and Semarang. Their study of these two
regions found that the variable Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), an
economic parameter, correlates with Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT), a pollution
parameter. Industrial areas in Jakarta are experiencing spatial expansion, while
Semarang is undergoing rapid industrial area development (Santoso et al., 2018).

In the future, coal is expected to remain the primary fuel for electricity
generation. Figure 1 shows the projected electricity production by each fuel type,
with electricity demand anticipated to grow at an average rate of 4.9% per year
over the projection period, and coal experiencing the highest growth at 7.6% per
year. Therefore, it is essential to innovate the use of alternative fuels that can
create clean technologies for electricity generation and be implemented in
Indonesia in the future. Currently, coal usage is around 28.7%, and it is expected
to increase rapidly to 74.1% by 2025. Besides coal, hydro and natural gas energy
also play significant roles, with an average growth rate of around 2.7%. It is
projected that the use of natural gas will decrease from 21.3% to about 11.7% by
2025, and hydro energy will also decline to 13% by the end of the projection period.
 Figure 1. Projection of Electricity Production in Indonesia (Sugiyono, 2000)

Based on the projected electricity production, emissions of exhaust gases such

as particulates, CO2, SO2, and NOx can be calculated. Figure 2 shows that
emissions of each gas are increasing by approximately 6-7% per year. The primary
cause of this increase in exhaust gas emissions is the rapidly rising use of coal.

Figure 2. Emissions from Power Plants in Indonesia (Sugiyono, 2000)

One of the abundant renewable energy sources, particularly in Indonesia as an
alternative to fossil energy, is biomass energy. Biomass waste from plantations,
agriculture, households, and industries can pose significant problems if not
properly managed. So far, unused biomass waste is merely burned or discarded,
not yet utilized optimally, highlighting the need for innovation in biomass waste
processing. A potential biomass waste that can be developed is candlenut shells,
commonly found in Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. These lignocellulosic
candlenut shells have not been optimally processed and are often discarded or left
unused. Based on their composition, candlenut shell waste can be converted into
fuel in the form of biobriquettes (Jaya, 2018). Biobriquettes have several
advantages over charcoal, such as producing no smoke, being non-toxic, and
having a relatively high calorific value. Additionally, candlenut shell charcoal can
be used as a water filter material and can also be converted into activated charcoal,
capable of absorbing methylene blue and iodine according to Indonesian National
Standards (SNI).
In addition to using candlenut shells, we are innovating by adding other
components to improve and enhance efficiency, specifically by mixing with
chitosan powder and used cooking oil. Chitosan is a derivative of a natural
polysaccharide compound found in fungi, yeast, microalgae, protozoa, and the
shells of crustaceans. This compound is biodegradable, elastic, strong, and flexible
(Warsiki and Putri, 2012), as well as antimicrobial and non-toxic, making it suitable
for use in the food industry. It is biocompatible, non-antigenic, and easily obtained
(Ayyubi et al., 2021). Chitosan has high biocoagulant activity, allowing it to reduce
water turbidity by up to 86% (Ihsani and Widyastuti, 2015). It is widely used as a
thickening agent, gelling agent, texturizer, and stabilizer. Additionally, chitosan is
used as an edible film and coating material that can replace wax on fruits and
vegetables (Warsiki and Putri, 2012; Mustapa et al., 2017). Used cooking oil is a
type of household waste often improperly disposed of. This oil has undergone
multiple heating processes, resulting in changes to its viscosity, refractive index,
color, and flash point. The characteristics of used cooking oil include high viscosity
index, low flash point (around 240°C-300°C), and high calorific value (Sakti and
Putro, 2020).
Research conducted by Dewi and Hudha (2022) states that briquettes made
from candlenut shells with gembili flour and mbote flour as binders produce
biobriquettes that meet the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) through analyses
of moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and calorific value. In the study
by Sakti and Putro (2020), the addition of used cooking oil improved the quality of
briquettes, increasing calorific value, reducing ash and moisture content, and
enhancing briquette density. Therefore, this research aims to enhance the potential
of candlenut shells as briquette raw material in Ngada Regency to support
sustainable energy. It also seeks to investigate the effects of mixing chitosan flour
and used cooking oil on the quality of candlenut shell briquettes (BRIQKTOS) and
to further explore the methods used in BRIQKTOS production. Based on these
objectives, this essay aims to provide information on processing organic waste,
specifically candlenut shells, into briquettes for the community. It seeks to lay the
groundwork for innovation in waste reduction, transforming waste into valuable
products, and utilizing biomass waste as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels
to support environmental sustainability.

Materials and Methods

1. Materials and Tools

The materials used in this research are candlenut shells, used cooking oil,
chitosan powder, and water. The tools used in this research include a
combustion furnace, mortar, briquette molds, 100 mesh sieve, pressing
machine, and desiccator.
2. Methods
• Sample Collection and Carbonization Process
Samples are collected from markets and households in
Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The collected candlenut
shells are then placed into the combustion furnace and burned for
approximately 2 hours until the shells turn jet black. After burning,
the candlenut shells are left to cool for one day. Once cooled, the
charred candlenut shells are ground and sieved through a 100
mesh sieve.
• Preparation of Chitosan Flour Binder
A sufficient amount of chitosan powder is taken, then hot
water is added and stirred until the mixture reaches a thick
consistency.
 • Briquette Production
500 grams of candlenut shell charcoal powder is weighed
and then mixed with 200 ml of chitosan binder, stirring thoroughly.
Used cooking oil is added in various amounts: 50 ml, 100 ml, and
200 ml. The briquette mixture is then placed into molds and
compacted using a pressing machine. Next, the briquette molds are
dried under the sun for 3 days and then placed in a desiccator for
about 10-15 minutes to reduce moisture content. After drying, the
briquettes are stored in a dry place. The dried briquettes are then
dipped in used cooking oil and the final product is tested.

Result and Discussion

Chitosan powder and used cooking oil are organic-based binders used in the
process of making briquettes from candlenut shells. The quality of biobriquettes
depends on the binder used. Binders made from organic materials produce less
ash and result in more efficient outcomes. In this research, the goal is to produce
high-quality biobriquettes. Chitosan powder is used as a binder, providing optimal
results due to its biocompatibility, strength, elasticity, and flexibility, which allow it
to easily combine with other materials (Ayyubi et al., 2021). When chitosan is
combined with lipids, such as essential oils, it enhances the functional properties
of the chitosan film. Most essential oils are antioxidant and antimicrobial, ensuring
that the resulting biobriquettes are free from harmful microorganisms that could
degrade the biobriquettes' content. The addition of used cooking oil can be the best
option to produce high-quality biobriquettes. The high viscosity index of used
cooking oil helps the chitosan powder in binding the biobriquettes more densely.
Additionally, the use of used cooking oil reduces the moisture content in the
briquettes, which results in a faster ignition and a longer burn time until the
briquettes turn to ash (Djafaar, 2016).
 The variation in biobriquette production, specifically dipping the briquettes in
used cooking oil, is crucial for enhancing the quality of the biobriquettes. Several
studies have indicated that used cooking oil can be used as a fuel through various
chemical processes. Generally, the duration of dipping in used cooking oil can
affect the solidity or integrity of the briquettes. The longer the biobriquettes are
dipped in used cooking oil, the more evenly the oil penetrates the surface of the
briquettes, aiding in the binding of the chitosan powder to the briquettes (Nurhilal,
2018). Soaking briquettes in used cooking oil allows the briquettes to be coated
with oil, making it more difficult for them to absorb water. According to research
conducted by Septhiani and Septiani, (2015), briquettes made from organic waste
that are dipped in used cooking oil have low moisture content and high calorific
value. Oil coating is a method that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency
of briquettes. This method involves applying oil to the surface of the briquettes.
The oil-coated briquettes possess hydrophobic properties, causing the pores on
the surface of the briquettes to become clogged and thus preventing water from
entering. This results in low moisture content within the briquettes, thereby
increasing their calorific value. The higher the calorific value of a briquette, the
better its quality (Chandra, 2018).

Picture 3. Briquette quality standard (Sakti and Putro, 2020)

Ngada Regency, located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, holds significant
potential for the development of biobriquettes as an alternative energy source. As
one of the largest candlenut-producing regions in Indonesia, the local community
in Ngada Regency can actively participate in the processing of renewable energy
sources. The biobriquettes produced can provide social, economic, and
environmental benefits to the local community. They can serve as raw materials
for power generation and cooking fuel in the area. The biobriquette manufacturing
industry can create new job opportunities for the locals, thereby increasing their
income. Processing biobriquettes can also empower the community, reduce air
pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, as biobriquettes are environmentally
friendly compared to fossil fuels. Despite the numerous advantages of utilizing
candlenut shell waste as raw material for biobriquette production, several
challenges exist, including difficult transportation access and limited infrastructure
for large-scale biobriquette manufacturing. Policy regulations and supportive
policies are also challenges that need to be addressed in expanding and
developing the production and usage of biobriquettes in Ngada Regency. Support
from the local government and clear policies can create a conducive environment
for the sustainable growth of the biobriquette industry.
Conclusion
The issue of candlenut shell waste and used cooking oil can be addressed by
processing these wastes into environmentally friendly biobriquettes. The
production technique is not too difficult, and the materials are readily available,
making this processing effective to carry out. The resulting product has high quality
and market value, which can enhance the economy and promote sustainable
industrial growth.
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