STUDY ON THE APPLICATION OF BIOCHAR FROM FOOD WASTE AS SOLID FUEL PELLETS

Abstract

This study investigated the production potential of solid fuel pellets of biochar derived from coffee grounds and sugarcane bagasse sourced from food waste. The results showed that pyrolysis carbonization of coffee grounds and sugarcane bagasse positively affected energy efficiency compared to raw materials. Specifically, carbonization at 350 °C for 60 minutes yielded the highest calorific values, achieving 7,475 kcal/kg for coffee grounds and 6,990 kcal/kg for sugarcane bagasse. The mixing ratio of 90:10 between biochar and binder produced the best fuel pellets from coffee grounds, achieved the calorific value of 7,060 kcal/kg, compressive strength of 20.10 kg/cm2, and ash content of 1.46%. These findings met the key quality criteria for using biochar as an alternative energy source to charcoal or fossil fuels.