Physicochemical Characterization of Char from Areca Fiber (Areca catechu L.) Pyrolysis
Ika Atsari Dewi*, Ahmad Dicky Rosyadi, Hendrix Yulis Setyawan

Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*ikaatsaridewi[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is one of the plantation crops that grows in parts of Indonesia. The weight of areca fibers reaches 70% of the total weight of the fruit. Alternative processing of areca fibers can be done using pyrolysis process. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition process that produces char. One factor that affects the results of pyrolysis is temperature. The research design used a randomized block design, the factors used in the study consisted of 6 temperature levels, 350oC, 400oC, 450oC, 500oC, 550oC, and 600oC. The char was tested for characterization in the form of moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and SEM-EDX. Research on areca fiber char showed that the relationship between temperature and moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon had a significant effect. Based on the Zeleny method, it was known that a temperature of 500oC was the best treatment with a value of moisture content of 3.21%, ash content of 12.13%, volatile matter of 15.30%, and fixed carbon of 69.35%. The SEM-EDX test conducted at 400oC, 500oC, and 600oC showed many pores in the char, and the highest carbon content was found at 600oC.

Keywords: Char, Pyrolysis, Areca Fiber

Topic: Agricultural product technology