JoASCE (Journal Applied of Science and Chemical Engineering)

Analysis of the Characteristics of Pyroligneous Acid from the Pyrolysis Process of Candlenut Shells

2024-12-12T06:58:23+08:00

Pyroligneous acid is a liquid resulting from the pyrolysis process, consisting of a combination of pyroligneous acid and the oil phase (pyrolytic oil). Pyroligneous acid, also known as liquid smoke, is obtained through the degradation of biomass via the pyrolysis process. Biomass sources are largely obtained from wood biomass waste, agricultural biomass, aquatic biomass, waste sludge, and waste from the paper industry. One of them is candlenut shells, which contain hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin as sources for the formation of pyroligneous acid. The objective of this study is to characterize the pyroligneous acid produced from candlenut shell waste by considering the effect of pyrolysis operating temperatures with variations of 300°C, 350°C, and 400°C in the pyrolysis reactor. The research results show that the best characteristics of the pyroligneous acid produced from the pyrolysis of candlenut shells are at 400°C, including a density of 1.260 gr/ml, viscosity of 1.030 cP, heating rate of 8.35°C/min, a qualitative phenol test showing a red color, and a yield of 33.33%. Meanwhile, the best acetic acid content of 4.171% was obtained at 300°C. The higher the pyrolysis operating temperature, the better the characteristics of the obtained pyroligneous acid. The study of the characteristics of pyroligneous acid is expected to serve as a reference for further development, particularly in applications in several sectors that require this pyroligneous acid.

Potential of Kepok Banana Peel as Biodegradable Plastic: Effect of Plasticiser Concentration on Banana Peel Extract Yield

2024-12-20T01:30:21+08:00

This study aims to utilise kepok banana peel as a biodegradable bioplastic raw material through the effect of plasticiser concentration variation (glycerol and sorbitol) on pectin extract yield and mechanical properties of the resulting bioplastics, including tensile strength and elongation. Banana peels were extracted to obtain pectin, then formulated into bioplastics with variations in glycerol ratio (0.5:0.25; 0.5:0.5; and 0.5:0.75). The results showed that the glycerol ratio of 0.5:0.75 produced the highest pectin extract yield, indicating optimal plasticiser interaction in increasing the solubility and gel formation of pectin. Meanwhile, the glycerol ratio of 0.5:0.25 gave the highest tensile strength value, reflecting a good balance between flexibility and strength of the polymer matrix. Unbalanced plasticiser concentrations result in bioplastics with less than optimal mechanical properties, such as decreased elongation or mechanical strength. Selection of the right type and concentration of plasticiser is important to obtain bioplastics with the desired properties. This study shows that the utilisation of kepok banana peels as bioplastics not only provides added value to organic waste but also offers a potential solution to reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastics and their negative impact on the environment

Portable Batch Type Biogas Reactor from Cow Manure Waste

2024-12-19T05:54:13+08:00

Renewable energy sources need to be continuously developed to reduce the availability of fossil fuels that are increasingly depleted. Biogas is one of the alternative energies that promises a future by utilizing organic waste such as animal waste (cow dung). Processing animal waste as cow dung as a raw material for biogas can use continuous and batch type biodigesters. The method used in the study consisted of a literature study on biogas production using small-scale batch biodigesters with a portable design. The system in the reactor was designed anaerobically using cow dung with the addition of molasses. In this study, cow dung was mixed with air and molasses in a ratio of 2:1, then the fermentation process was carried out in a closed batch reactor. The results showed a significant increase in biogas pressure for 15 days, with the maximum pressure recorded on the 12th day of 101334.81N/m² and decreased on the 15th day of 101295.57 N/m². The increase that occurred during the entire fermentation process was stated to be fluctuating, this was influenced by environmental conditions. Based on the research results, it was stated that cow dung has the potential to be used as a renewable energy source that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support environmental sustainability.