DEVELOPMENT OF ODOR ABSORBED CHARCOAL LUMP PRODUCT FROM NIPA PALM FRUIT

Abstract

This research aimed to produce charcoal lumps from nipa palm fruit wastes for use within households and developed into odor absorbed products. The whole and half cut-nipa palm fruits were burned in an artificial charcoal kiln. The weight of nipa palm fruit charcoal after burning was lost by 50-60%, glossy surface, and perfect shape. Then, these charcoal lumps were investigated the chemical properties and heat values. It was found that the heat value of charcoal lumps was 5,883 calories/gram, fixed carbon content was 60.40%, and ash content was 18.37%. After that, the nipa palm fruit charcoal lumps were developed into 2 types of odor absorbed charcoal products.  The whole-nipa palm fruit charcoal lumps were packed in the net bag as an odor absorbed charcoal bag. The half-cut nipa palm fruit charcoal lumps were ground and molded to an odor absorbed charcoal briquette by using tapioca starch as a binding agent. Both odor absorbed charcoal products were estimated for satisfaction by 30 volunteers. The results showed that the volunteers were satisfied with the appearance of both products at the highest level but satisfied with the durability of both products was the lowest level because easily broke out of charcoal products. This research shows that the nipa palm fruit wastes have the potential to be produced into charcoal lumps for use as fuel within households and as odor absorbed products.