Physical and combustion properties of solid fuel briquettes made of plastic waste as a green energy alternative

The rapid development of the industrial sector has increased either energy demand or generate a tremendous effect on waste piles. To combat the issue of poor sanitation due to waste accumulation and multiply the energy sources, the government promotes energy diversification, particularly dealing with waste management. This study aims to recycle plastic waste, paper waste and sawdust into solid fuel briquettes while observing their physical and combustion properties. Briquette production is carried out by combining waste of plastics and sawdust with binding agents, such as paper pulp and cassava starch. These materials were mixed with water, being compacted and conventionally dried under the sunlight. Solid briquette was then tested for calorific value, moisture content and volatile matter to ensure the effectiveness of combustion. The results show that the modified composition of plastic and paper with the ratio of 3:1 is physically sturdy with minor cracks, has a greater calorific value of 6801.62 Cal/gr, low moisture content (4.73%) and volatile matter (5.50%). The modified composition of paper: plastic: sawdust with the ratio of 1:1:1 exhibits more sturdy stuff, with a calorific value of 4565.47 Cal/ gr, low moisture content (1.85%) but high volatile matter (34.07%). Waste conversion to solid fuel briquette can be utilized as future green energy alternative in any major cities of Indonesia. A modified mixture of plastic : paper waste is more prone to transmit the heat despite having less capability to ignite, while the mixture of sawdust : paper is more prone to ignite despite having less capability to store and dismiss the heat.