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Home⇛Annals of Tropical Research⇛vol. 48 no. 1 (2026)

Optimization of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Corm Flour as Binder for Charcoal Briquettes Produced from Coconut Shell Charcoal

Julious B. Cerna | Nilo Leorna | Vladimer Mangaya-ay

 

Abstract:

Background: Coconut shell charcoal briquettes serve as a primary energy source for domestic and commercial cooking. While these products traditionally utilize cassava or corn starch as binders, such materials are essential food staples. Objectives: To reduce the non-food utilization of these crops, this study evaluates cocoyam corm flour – a resource of lower economic and food value – as a sustainable binding agent. Methods: Through a 3x3 factorial experiment, the research analyzed the influence of the binder-to-charcoal ratio and flour fineness on the chemical, physical, and combustion properties of the resulting fuel. Results: A higher binder-to-charcoal ratio produces denser briquettes with reduced ash content, slower burning rates, and enhanced structural durability. Optimization via Response Surface Methodology identified a formulation with a 0.379 binder-to-charcoal ratio and a 149-micron flour fineness. The optimum briquette achieved a fixed carbon content of 20.63% -3 and a density of 0.39g cm , demonstrating properties superior to those of the commercial counterpart, including higher compressive strength and more stable combustion. Furthermore, the optimum briquette demonstrated a break-even price three times lower than a commercial alternative, highlighting the significant economic viability and investment efficiency of utilizing cocoyam corm flour as a low-cost binder for sustainable biomass energy. Conclusion: Cocoyam corm flour can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative binder that enhances the structural, combustion, and economic performance of coconut shell charcoal briquettes while reducing reliance on food-grade materials.



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