Azhar Fawwaz Fauzan, Sun Theo Constan Lotebulo Ndruru, Egi Agustian, Dicky Annas, Mohammad Alauhdin, Rasmono, Dayu Dian Perwatasari, Maisaroh, Hafiizh Prasetia, Hendris Hendarsyah Kurniawan, Wahyu Anggo Rizal, Anny Sulaswatty
The characteristics of biobriquettes are greatly influenced by the adhesive used. Tapioca starch is a binder material that significantly influencing the mechanical, thermal, and combustion properties of biobriquettes. However, the effect of tapioca starch on the performance of biochar-derived biobriquettes has not been widely studied. This study investigates the effect of tapioca starch binder on the physicochemical performance of biobriquettes. The biochar was produced from waste ginger rhizome pulp, with a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C. The binder was prepared from tapioca starch using a 1:3 starch-to-water ratio, and it was mixed with biochar at a 5 wt% binder content using the wet-mixing method. Comprehensive characterizations were performed on proximate analysis, calorific value, compressive strength, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, CHN analysis, SEM, XRD, XRF, and STA. The result is that biobriquettes have a compressive strength of 2.4 N/mm2 and a volatile matter content of 45%. The calorific value of the biobriquette is 21.04 MJ/kg. Crystallinity increased to 25%, and FTIR spectra revealed a shift in the O–H and C–O stretching bands, indicating the formation of hydrogen bonds between starch and biochar. Raman analysis revealed an decrease in the ID/IG ratio from 1.12 to 0.83, while XRF confirmed the presence of common soil elements. The CHN results indicated an increase in carbon content from 40.69% in biomass to 54.73% in the final biobriquettes. Based on these results, the biobriquette containing 5 wt% tapioca binder exhibited good mechanical integrity and matched the calorific value, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable solid fuel. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia; Research Center for Molecular Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Puspiptek Area, Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Catalysis, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Puspiptek Area, Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Technical Implementation Unit for Medicinal Plant Development and Traditional Health Services (PTO-PKT), Bondowoso, Jawa Tengah, 68219, Indonesia; Research Center for Agroindustry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Puspiptek Area, Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Directorate for Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency, Puspiptek Area, Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Food Technology and Processes, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, 55861, Indonesia
