Agro-waste research and augmentation (AWRA): Carbonization of coconut (lt;emgt;Cocos nuciferalt;/emgt;) husks as raw materials for charcoal briquettes

Abstract

This study used experimental approach in coming up with substitute material for charcoal briquettes as alternative fuel. An agricultural waste, Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husks was utilized and compared with known charcoal variety, wood charcoal and coconut shell charcoal in the study. It was found out that coconut husk charcoal briquettes had the shortest duration recorded under the boiling ability test, allowing water to reach boiling point at the shortest amount of time and the longest burning ability, the rate that the charcoal turned to ash after ignition. There were significant differences noted in terms of burning time and boiling ability between the coconut husk charcoal briquettes, coconut shell charcoal, and wood charcoal. This study showed the potential of agricultural waste for bioconversion, to be specific carbonization as material for charcoal briquettes. It is looking into reusing agricultural waste and turning it for potential income source for the farmers. It could lessen the demand for hard wood charcoals thus minimizing the threat for deforestation. Carbonization can create smokeless fuel which could lessen the damage to the ozone layer further contributing the prevention of global warming. Further studies and a more in-depth investigation of alternative sources and reusing agricultural waste is recommended.