Optimization of the Mechanical Properties of Coconut Shell Briquettes with a Tapioca Flour Adhesive

The manufacture and characterization of coconut shell briquettes using tapioca as adhesive were conducted. sample is created different flour concentrations: 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%. All briquette samples dried for 30, 60, 90 minutes. Coconut characterized scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), compression tests, burn rate tests to analyze the effect variations in concentration on mechanical properties briquettes. It can be confirmed from SEM-EDX results that content dominated by carbon (C), oxygen (O), potassium (K) elements. FTIR show absorption O-H C=C groups. affects briquettes’ burning based test rate. highest compressive strength value belonged with a 9% drying time 30 minutes or 1.63 MPa.