Produksi Briket Aromatik Kulit Durian Lokal dengan Minyak Atsiri Sereh di Banyuwangi

Abstract

Durian peel waste is one of the agricultural by-products that has not been optimally utilized despite its potential as a biomass-based energy source. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil addition on the combustion characteristics and aroma intensity of durian peel charcoal briquettes. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments consisting of lemongrass essential oil concentrations of 0%, 2,61%, 5,22%, and 7,83%, each replicated three times. The observed parameters included coloring value, moisture content, combustion duration, and organoleptic evaluation of aroma using 20 untrained panelists. The results showed that the addition of lemongrass essential oil did not significantly affect the calorific value of the briquettes (Fcount = 1.653 < Ftable = 4.06). The calorific value ranged from 6,243 to 6,435 cal g⁻¹, indicating that all briquettes met the quality requirements for biomass fuel. However, the addition of essential oil significantly affected moisture content and combustion duration. Moisture content increased from 4.14% to 4.91% as the concentration of essential oil increased, although all treatments remained below the maximum limit specified by SNI 01-6235-2000. Combustion duration also increased with increasing essential oil concentration, indicating improved burning stability. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that higher conventions of lemongrass essential oil enhanced aroma intensity and aroma recognition. The 7,83% treatment produced the strongest characteristic lemon grass aroma, whereas the 5,22% treatment obtained the highest panelist preference score. In conclusion, the addition of lemongrass essential oil successfully improved the sensory characteristics of durian peel briquettes without significantly reducing their energy quality. The 5,22%–7,83% treatments showed the best overall performance in terms of aroma quality and combustion characteristic.