Biofuel Production from Rubber Seeds by Pyrolysis Method using Natural Zeolite Catalyst

Abstract

Rubber seed is rubber plant waste that has the potential as a source of bioenergy. Rubber seed contains 40-50% oil, and rubber seed shell contains lignocellulose (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). Rubber and rubber seed shells can be converted into biofuel through the Pyrolysis Process. Pyrolysis is biomass decomposition with heat assistance without oxygen at 250^oC-600^oC. This research aimed to analyze the characteristics of biofuel products. This research was conducted using a pyrolysis reactor by controlling the temperature at 250^oC, 300^oC, 350^oC, 400^oC, and 450^oC. The characteristics of biofuel produced in this study include density (1.0646 gr/ml), viscosity (5.417 mm²/s), flash point (88ºC), moisture content (30.4%), calorific value (7451.3997 Cal/g), and cetane number (32.9). Based on the results of biofuel analysis using GC-MS, the C atom chain was dominated by C5-C15 compounds at 44.41%.