Enhancement of Calorific Value in Tectona grandis Sawdust Pellets Using Gossypium spp. Oil and Starch Mixtures

Abstract

Indonesia's energy demand remains predominantly reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and fuel oil, which are utilized extensively across both small and large-scale industries. This reliance exacerbates concerns regarding the finite nature of these resources, their escalating costs, and their detrimental environmental impact. As fossil fuel reserves continue to deplete, the transition to renewable energy sources, such as biomass, becomes imperative. Biomass offers numerous advantages as an alternative fuel; however, its calorific value remains relatively low. This study aims to investigate the potential enhancement of biomass calorific value through the incorporation of Tectona grandis sawdust, Gossypium spp. oil, and starch in varying proportions. An experimental approach was employed, utilizing five different mixtures of teak sawdust, cottonseed oil, and starch: K1 (1 kg:100 g:500 g), K2 (1 kg:250 g:500 g), K3 (1 kg:400 g:500 g), K4 (1 kg:550 g:500 g), and K5 (700 g:500 g). The results indicated a positive correlation between increased cottonseed oil content and higher calorific values, attributed to the reduction in moisture and ash content. The highest calorific value was observed in the K5 mixture, yielding an average value of 4539.492 cal/g.