Sifat Fisis dan Mekanis Wood Pellet dari Cabang dan Ranting Tiga Jenis Mangrove

Abstract

The increasing use of wood as a fuel causes dependence. This can lead to over exploitation of trees, so it is necessary to develop new alternative energy to switch dependencies of the wood. This research focuses on developing biofuel in the form of pellets from three species of mangrove branches and twigs. Three types of mangroves were used, namely Buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha), Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) and Mata Buaya (Bruguiera sexangula) with bark and non-bark treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical and mechanical properties of wood produced from three species of mangrove branches and twigs. Physical and mechanical properties include density, Specific gravity, moisture content, stack density, measurement dimensions (diameter and length) and compression toughness. Testing for density, moisture content, and dimensions (diameter and length) refers to EN ISO standards. Specific weight and stack density tests refer to Khalil's research (1999). In the meanwhile, compression toughness test with ASTM D 4179 standard. The specific weight of raw materials showed varying results for all types and treatments. Buta-buta was known to have the lowest specific weight value of all types and treatments. The yield of wood pellets is known to vary but has relatively close yields for each type and treatment. The specific weight value of pellets with bark was in the range of values 0.679 g/cm³ - 0.942 g/cm³, while the treatment without bark was in the range of values 0.607 g/cm³ - 0.823 g/cm³. The variation in density is directly proportional to the value of the Specific Weight pellet. Specific Weight pellets treated with skin were known to have a value range of 0.841-1.011, while those without skin had a value range of 0.865 - 0.963. The mean water content results are known to be very low in water content and are relatively consistent with values ranging from 1.044% - 1.075% for all species and treatments. Measurements of pellet dimensions in relative diameter measurements are consistent with an average diameter of 0.4 cm, but pellet lengths vary further. The results of testing the physical properties (moisture content, density and dimensions) of branch and twig pellets, both treated with and without bark, had a good quality wood pellets and complied with the standards of several European countries. Due to the effect of powder size and die hole size equalization, the pellet heap density values are relatively similar, ranging in value from 251 g/cm3 - 328 g/cm3. It also affected the results of the compressive strength test, with relatively high average values of 166.29 kgf/cm² for skinned pellets and 190.86 kgf/cm² for unskinned pellets.