“Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Shell

Briquette: Utilization of most Efficient

Members:

Bercasio, Samantha Maree A.

Cellona, Celine Faith B.

Lubigan, Marquella Paula B.

Mabini, Rihanna Ysabella B.

Maravilla, Maria Athena O.

Morga, Danna Noelle P.

Submitted to:

Sir Fernando Brabante

Without additions like binders, briquettes are completely lacking in plasticity. In order to

keep the briquettes together during transportation, briquette formation, and storage, a binding

substance must be added. Every coconut char particle has a binder coating that improves

charcoal adhesion and results in uniform briquettes. The binding process is complete once the

wet pressed briquettes have dried. Common briquette binders include starch, clay, molasses, and

gum arabic.

Though, the researchers have only decided to utilize the binders: corn starch, gum Arabic,

polyvinyl alcohol(pva). After much consideration and discussions amongst the researchers, these

three in specific, were chosen as the experimental variables.

Selecting the most efficient binder for briquette making can vary. Some binders can be

too expensive for briquette making, some are incompetent in fulfilling their maximum capability

in assisting the briquette structure, and some are generally lesser than the others. The problem

with this, is that it makes it too complicated to pick which would be the most logical choice with

as many options as these.

With this in mind, there have been some initiatives taken to address this certain problem.

Examples of which are articles recommending which one would be best based on individuality

and field. Most of these articles would not give a specific answer to the question “What binder is

the most efficient to use with briquetting?” Thus, this leads the researchers developing a desire to
answer the question with a given specific answer. Furthermore, being too generalized gives

difficulty to individuals who wish for a more specific response to their question.

Moreover, this study is also unique in its own way. Since most articles concerning the

utilization of these binders are usually based on Charcoal briquettes. However, this study, in

particular, is based on the eco-friendly coconut shell briquettes. To have a much more accurate

result, all researchers were on board with the idea of a specific briquette, preferably a more

environmentally-safe product, as their dependent variable.

The researchers strongly believe that this study will achieve precise results with having

certain variables that narrows the range of attainable outcomes. Possibly even provide an answer

that satisfies the majority of those who ask the question, “Which binder would be most efficient

in briquetting?”

Briquettes, a pillow shaped block composed of compressed mass of charcoal from other

flammable materials to give them their defined cushion-like-structure. “Briquetting” - similar to

pelletising - Low bulk density biomass materials are transformed into high density fuel briquettes

during the briquetting process. Ground charcoal made from sawdust and other wood byproducts

is compacted into briquettes at the briquetting plant together with various binders and other

combustible ingredients. The choice of binders and additives and their quality and price have an

impact on the briquettes' quality and price.

versus 20-40% in coal). In fact, they are 40% more effective, hotter, and more durable than

Firewood. Their low moisture content and density are responsible for their higher efficiency.

As we know of, these briquettes are popularly used world-wide as combustibles - the

major regional markets for charcoal briquettes are the following: North America, Europe, the

Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and as well as Africa. According to

(expertmarketresearch.com). As stated by (expertmarketresearch.com) The global market

for charcoal briquettes was valued at USD 1,947.1 million in 2021, and between 2023 and 2028,

it is predicted to rise at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 8.4%, reaching USD 3,298.4

million in 2027.

Of course, the Philippines not being included in the major regional market does not mean

that charcoal briquettes are not used within the country - charcoal briquettes are not as popular as

common fuel in the Philippines, but as time passed on, the subject has seemingly grown its

demand.

Furthermore, according to (psmarketresearch.com), the Philippines charcoal market is

estimated to be valued at $500.0 Million in the year 2019 and is projected to reach $688.2

Million by the year 2030. Steadily progressing at a compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of

2.9% during the forecast period(2020-2030). Since the popularity of the item continues to rise,

the researchers couldn't help but take note of the thermal efficiency of charcoal briquettes as fuel

and kindling to start a fire.

Charcoal Briquettes. Of course, these were quite effective - and had some great benefits

compared to its counterpart.

(Coconutvietnam.com.vn) The coconut fruit's strongest component, the shell, is used in

a variety of handicrafts and as a fuel to make charcoal. It is especially sturdy and perfect for

making handcrafted decorative things. Coconut shell charcoal is also used to create active

carbon, an oxygen-treated form of charcoal utilized in the purification sector and other active

carbon-using sectors.

South Asian and Pacific countries where coconut grows produce various handicrafts from

coconut shells due to their strength and long-lasting nature. The demand for these natural

handicrafts is high worldwide. Coconut shell produces top-grade active carbon charcoal, which is

clean and of high quality compared to other charcoal production methods. The production of

coconut shell-based activated carbon is highly sought after due to its high quality. Plants in Sri

Lanka, India, and other Pacific countries produce this charcoal, demonstrating the importance of

coconut shell in the production of natural handicrafts.

(Zenfiyah.com) It was stated that these coconut shell charcoal briquettes are much more

eco-friendly compared to other charcoal options - There are a number of significant drawbacks to

using lump charcoal for grilling, one of which is the environment. When burned, regular
charcoal briquettes emit enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This

notorious greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere, which fuels global warming.

Coconut charcoal briquettes are the more environmentally friendly option because they

don't involve the use of any trees in their manufacture. Coconut briquettes use compressed

coconut shells, as their name suggests, along with some extra additives such as varying binders

to give the briquette its complete cushion-like shape.

They're astonishingly long lasting - Briquettes made of coconut charcoal can burn for up

to 2.5 times as long as lump charcoal. To put it into perspective for you, burning for the same

amount of time would require about 2500 kgs of lump charcoal as opposed to merely 1000 kgs

of coconut charcoal. One of the most economical advantages of utilizing coconut charcoal

briquettes for grilling is the slow, even burn.

They have a high calorific value - Calorific value, also referred to as the heating value,

measures the entire amount of heat emitted from an energy source. At roughly 7000 kilocalories,

coconut shell briquettes deliver a more steady release of heat. Their consistency makes grilling

much easier to manage, resulting in better, more uniformly cooked barbecue. The list doesn't end

there.

Coconut briquettes are easy to produce - Although the product is available manufactured,

you can simply make it at home. Especially if you have access to coconut shell waste. These are

generally cheaper as well, since the main material comes from waste coconut shells - for
comparison: coal briquettes would need the coal from the mines first, meanwhile, wood charcoal

briquettes would need to cut down trees for the necessary logs.

Additionally, according to the literature of (coconutboard.in) Coconut shell charcoal

contains the highest percentage of fixed carbons of all the lignaceous charcoal. The average

composition of good charcoal is moisture 6.24%, volatile 5.46 %, ash 0.54% and fixed carbon

87.76%

Moving on, the researchers aim to not only provide a satisfying response but to also keep

in mind the cost for each of the binders. The researchers seek a cost-efficient binder, a binder

whose quality is worth its price. Ofcourse, this does not mean the researchers are looking for a

cheap binder and mark it as the most efficient to use. Rather, this study is after both cost and

quality. Low-priced binders are great if an individual only takes sight at its price, but for a

researcher, it is important to consider both factors as it both affects the outcome - It may either

become satisfactory or inadequate.

To further expand our knowledge on the topic, there are three types of binders. Known

as: Matrix type, Film type, and Chemical type. Though we will only be elaborating two types,

which are the matrix type and film type because the chemical type will not be used in this study.

(Briquettesolution.com)

Gum arabic falls under the category Film type, while the other two, cornstarch and

polyvinyl alcohol(pva) falls under the Matrix type category.

briquetting. This sort of binder will completely fill the gap between the raw materials, increase

their flexibility, and strengthen the binding between the particles, which is typically between 2

and 10%. In addition, it serves other purposes including lubrication and dilution, which lower the

internal friction of the raw material.

The film type - Most of this kind's binders are liquid. The raw material particle is covered

with the binder like a film. It will boost the briquette's strength once it has been briquetted and

dried. The material is held together by the surface tension. The precise surface area is the most

crucial element. Binder of this sort will cost more for material with minute particles. The cost of

the binder (which is primarily water) will be much higher even than 30% for materials like

charcoal that have a low bulk density and a high specific surface area.

Now that the two categories of binders used have been each discussed, this study shall

move to the three experimental variables to give the readers a further overview of the subject

matter.

Gum arabic, commonly known as acacia gum, this dried exudate of two acacia species

found in sub-Saharan Africa—Acacia senegal and A. seyal, and that has many uses, especially in

the food business, as well as in disciplines like pottery, painting, photography, and printmaking.

This is a polysaccharide and hydrocolloid material; its precise chemical makeup varies based on

the acacia species from which it is obtained and also the environmental conditions in which the

tree was developed. Gum arabic is particularly helpful in the food business because of its
tasteless and nontoxic qualities. It is employed as an emulsifier, binding or coating agent, and

stabilizer.(Britannica.com)

Gum Arabic is a diverse and complicated mixture of Arabinogalactan, Oligosaccharides,

Polysaccharides, and glycoprotein [2]. Gum Arabic is made up of a combination of low

molecular weight polysaccharides (M.Wt 0.25 106 major component) and high molecular weight

hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (M.Wt 2.5 106 minor component). Gum Arabic glycoprotein

has a flexible but compact structure. Even at higher concentrations (20%- 30%wt/wt), it is easily

soluble and produces relatively low viscosity Newtonian solutions.(omicsonline.org)

Cornstarch, known as the common binding agent amongst all. This binding agent is the

most widely used by individuals, consisting of two polymers (homopolysaccharides) called

amylopectin and amylose, which differ in chain length and branching. Amylopectin is more

branched (a chain of -D-(1-4) and -D-(1-6)-glycosidic connections) and accounts for

approximately 75% of the starch granule. Amylose, which accounts for 25% of the starch

granule, is predominantly linear (-D-(1-4)-linked glucose residues). The physical properties of

these two polymers differ, and the ratio of amylose to amylopectin influences the look, structure,

and quality of industrial processing. As a result, modifying the relative quantities of these two

polymers has been a large part of the work in breeding for unique starch characteristics.

(ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Polyvinyl alcohol (pva), has a lot of characteristics that make it helpful in a wide range of

applications. With a repeating unit of vinyl alcohol, it is water soluble. It is created through the

polymerization of vinyl acetate. PVA is a white powder with no odor or flavor. It is insoluble in
most organic solvents but soluble in water, making it useful as a papermaking binder and a

textile sizing agent. It is also a film-forming agent, making it valuable for the production of films

and coatings. It is also used as a food additive as a stabilizer and thickening. Furthermore, it is

non-toxic and biodegradable.(infinitylearn.com)

This study will be a significant endeavor in providing the outcome of the utilization of

various binding agents in an attempt to figure out the most efficient binding material amongst all

for coconut shell briquettes.

This study will be very beneficial to the following:

1. Future Researchers

- This study will be of assistance to future researchers if the study that is

being conducted has a variable relating to briquettes or studies that have

variables in need of a sufficient binding agent. Furthermore, this study

provides assistance to future researchers looking for previous studies

conducted to possibly improve the previous study or for a reference guide,

to assist in finding a starting point.

2. Briquette Manufacturers

- This study will be of assistance to briquette manufacturers since it will be

made easier to finish their work as there is a provided binder efficiency to

aid their labor.

- This study will be of assistance to ordinary citizens who wish to produce

their own briquette with ease. Briquettes can be handmade if one wishes to

do so, it can save a person money if the individual decides to make a

coconut shell briquette on their own.Whether it will be for personal use or

business use, the study will still be effective. It is important to know how

to assemble the product before attempting to actually build briquette.

4.
 Methodology

The purpose of the study is to determine how well three different binders work with

charcoal briquettes made from coconut shells. To conduct the experiment, the following

materials are needed: 20kg of Coconut charcoal briquettes(made by the researchers), gasifier

combustor, 1kg corn starch, 500ml PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol), 1kg of Gum Arabic powder, water,

grinder, molder, and lastly, an oven.

The researchers will gather coconut shells from manufacturers of coconuts all over Bicol

but mostly at the municipality of Camalig. Next step is to sun dry the coconut shells for about 1

day. Lay the Coconut over a newspaper, keeping the grounds no more than 2-3 inches (5-8cm)

thick at a time. In order for the coconuts to dry more quickly, it is crucial that they have room or

are separated during the drying process. Place the tray in a sunny spot with noticeable air flow.

The researchers will now move on with the carbonization process.

The method for carbonizing the coconut shells involves using the gasifier combustor. But

always remember to use it with care or ask assistance from adults. Charcoal made from the shells

of our coconuts can be produced using gasifiers. The coconut shells are subsequently conveyed
to the combustor, where they are utilized as fuel. Within the lower chamber of the combustor,

additional coconut shells are introduced to support the combustion process. This arrangement

enables the efficient utilization of coconut shells as a sustainable energy source.

After the process of carbonization, which takes approximately 24 hours, the coconut

shells that have been transformed into carbon will undergo grinding using a grinder machine. In

the subsequent step, the coconut shells, which have been crushed and carbonized, are combined

by hand with the 1 kg of corn starch. This manual mixing process ensures thorough incorporation

of the two ingredients, or the researchers can use a equipment that can mix the product

automatically. While combining the ingredients together, it is recommended to incorporate

250ml of water into the mixture. It is important to maintain a continuous and consistent mixing

and kneading process until the mixture reaches a sticky and cohesive dough-like texture. The

decision to employ varying degrees of measurement is based on the unique characteristics of the

binder. This choice is made in order to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved effectively.

In order to proceed, the subsequent action involves shaping the mixture into the

selected mold. Nevertheless, after being taken out of the mold, the briquettes possess a delicate

and fragile nature, making them prone to breakage. Hence, to prevent this issue, the next crucial

step entails placing them in an oven and subjecting them to a consistent temperature of 500

degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum duration of 3 to 4 hours. This prolonged heat exposure is

necessary to ensure that the briquettes acquire the desired hardness and durability.
 In order to further investigate the properties and characteristics of the materials, the

researchers will replicate the previous procedure, this time focusing on the Polyvinyl alcohol

(PVA) without the requirement of water. Additionally, the Gum Arabic powder will be

examined, using the same quantity of 150ml of water. The choice of binders allows for a diverse

range of qualities, which is why different amounts are being utilized. This approach offers a

clearer understanding of how these materials behave and perform under various conditions.

Once the three different types of binder-based briquettes have been successfully

manufactured, the researchers are now ready to commence their experimentation phase. Their

primary objective here is to discern and evaluate the specific impact that each binder has on the

overall strength and durability of the Coconut-based charcoal briquettes. This critical assessment

will enable them to gain valuable insights into how the various binders contribute to the

structural integrity and performance of these eco-friendly fuel sources.

In order to determine the longevity and heat intensity of coconut shell briquettes

compared to normal charcoal briquettes, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive experiment.

The researchers will need to burn 1 kg of charcoal briquettes with three different types of binders

- starch-based, PVA-based, and Gum Arabic-based with their given measurements. This

controlled burning experiment will enable them to observe the combustion process of each

briquette and meticulously record the corresponding outcomes. To further investigate the

performance of the different charcoal types, an additional test can be conducted by boiling 1 liter

of water using each type of charcoal. This will provide an alternative method to assess the speed
at which the temperature of the water increases, thus indicating the efficiency of each charcoal

variant.

By meticulously observing the burning characteristics of the briquettes as well as

monitoring the water temperature during the boiling process, the researchers can gather valuable

insights into the comparative durability and heat generation capabilities of coconut shell

briquettes versus regular charcoal briquettes. This comprehensive approach will ultimately

contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.