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Meranti–Bamboo Briquette Blend Boosts Renewable Energy Quality, Mulawarman Study Finds
Researchers from Mulawarman University have identified the most effective composition of red meranti wood waste and betung bamboo to produce high-quality charcoal briquettes for sustainable household energy. The study, led by Rindayatno and published in January 2026, shows that briquettes dominated by red meranti deliver the highest energy output, while a 75:25 meranti–bamboo blend offers the most balanced overall performance.
The research appears in Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026), under the title “Optimization of Biomass Briquettes from Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) and Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) for Sustainable Energy Production” (DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v6i1.869).
Turning Local Biomass Waste into Clean Energy
Indonesia continues to face rising energy demand while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass briquettes are increasingly seen as a practical renewable alternative to fossil fuels, particularly for household cooking and small-scale industries.
In tropical regions like Kalimantan, sawmill waste from red meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) and residues from betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) are abundant but underutilized. Red meranti is known for its high lignin content, which enhances fixed carbon formation and heating value after carbonization. Betung bamboo, a fast-growing species, offers strong renewable potential but contains higher cellulose and hemicellulose, which influence combustion behavior.
The Mulawarman research team set out to determine which blending ratio produces the best balance of energy output, durability, and combustion stability.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers collected red meranti sawmill waste and bamboo residues, dried them, and carbonized the materials at 500°C for two hours in limited oxygen conditions. The charcoal was crushed, sieved to uniform size, and mixed with 10% tapioca starch as a natural binder.
Five treatment compositions were tested:
- 100% red meranti
- 75% meranti + 25% bamboo
- 50% meranti + 50% bamboo
- 25% meranti + 75% bamboo
- 100% bamboo
Each briquette was evaluated for density, moisture content, compressive strength, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and calorific value. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that biomass composition significantly influenced nearly all quality parameters.
Key Findings: Energy vs. Balance
The results reveal a clear trend: the higher the meranti content, the higher the energy output.
1. Highest Energy Output
- 100% red meranti briquettes recorded the highest calorific value: 6,647.91 cal/g.
- Fixed carbon reached 68.18%, supporting sustained heat release.
2. Most Balanced Composition
The 75% meranti + 25% bamboo blend delivered:
- Calorific value: 6,288.60 cal/g
- Good density (0.494 g/cm³)
- Strong compressive strength (13.442 kg/cm²)
- Moderate ash content (7.999%)
According to the authors, this blend offers a practical compromise between high energy output and mechanical durability.
3. Effect of Increasing Bamboo Content
- Density increased as bamboo proportion rose, reaching 0.61 g/cm³ at 100% bamboo.
- However, calorific value dropped significantly to 4,660.72 cal/g in the all-bamboo treatment.
- Volatile matter content increased with bamboo content, which may improve ignition but can also increase smoke if not balanced.
Compliance with Indonesian Standards
When compared to Indonesian National Standard SNI 01-6235-2000:
- Moisture content (1.02–7.55%) met the maximum requirement of 8%.
- Calorific value exceeded the minimum 5,000 cal/g requirement in treatments A–D.
- Ash content mostly complied, though some treatments approached the limit.
- Volatile matter and fixed carbon did not fully meet SNI standards, indicating that further optimization of carbonization is needed.
The findings suggest that improving the carbonization process could enhance fixed carbon levels and reduce volatile content, bringing the briquettes closer to full national standard compliance.
Implications for Sustainable Energy
This research highlights the strategic role of biomass blending in designing renewable fuels tailored to performance needs.
For applications prioritizing maximum heat output, pure red meranti briquettes are preferable. For broader household use—where durability, stability, and balanced combustion are essential—the 75:25 meranti–bamboo mix offers a more practical solution.
The study also supports circular economy principles by converting forestry and bamboo residues into valuable energy products. In regions rich in tropical hardwood and bamboo resources, this approach can:
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
- Lower waste from wood processing industries
- Provide affordable cooking fuel
- Support local small-scale energy enterprises
Rindayatno and colleagues emphasize that briquette quality should not be judged solely on calorific value. Mechanical strength, ash behavior, ignition characteristics, and combustion stability are equally important in determining real-world usability.
Expert Perspective
Rindayatno of Mulawarman University notes that biomass composition significantly shapes the physicochemical and thermal properties of briquettes. The study confirms that blending hardwood and bamboo allows fuel characteristics to be tailored for specific applications.
The research builds on previous work by the team on optimizing charcoal composition from other biomass sources, reinforcing their focus on sustainable bioenergy innovation in Indonesia.
 and Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper) for Sustainable Energy Production){kind=link}
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