Pine resin utilization as a binding agent for densification of coconut shells and rice husks at various pressures.

Coconut shells and rice husks are potential biomass sources for briquette production. The commonly used binder is an edible material which may cause conflict with food security issues. This study aims to utilize pine resin in coconut shells and rice husks char densification process at the pressures of 100 kg/cm2, 150×105 kg/cm2, and 200 kg/cm2. Prior to the densification process, raw materials were sun-dried, carbonized, grounded, and sieved to 20 mesh particle size. After mixing with the pine resin binder, the dough was pressed and sun-dried for five days. The quality of the briquettes was assessed, including calorific value, moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon contents. The combustion characteristics were investigated by direct combustion and thermogravimetric analyses. The result indicates that the calorific value of the briquette is up to 9.352 cal/g. Water content, volatile matter, and ash content are respectively 5.4%, 19%, and 11.2%. In addition, the burning rate of the briquette is 0.0076 g/sec. These characteristics are obtained from the briquette made of the mixture of coconut shells and rice husks char at a pressure of 200 kg/cm2. It indicates the potential use of pine resin as non-edible natural resin in briquetting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]