KORELASI WAKTU IRRADIASI MICROWAVE DENGAN BEBERAPA KARAKTER KARBON AKTIF PELEPAH SAWIT

Abstract

Oil palm frond biomass (PS) has been widely used as an activated carbon source in various ways of synthesis and various characters. In this research studied the character of activated carbon synthesized from PS biomass through physical activation in the conventional microwave at low power for a short time. Synthesis was begun with carbonization step, chemical activation using KOH and physical activation by a microwave with an irradiation time of 5, 10 and 15 minutes at a power of 200 W, respectively. The particle size was provided 100 ≤ x ≤ 200 (mesh). Several characters of activated carbon were determined according to SNI No.06-3730-1995, including moisture and ash content, as well as iodine adsorption capacity. At the same time, the yield of activated carbon obtained from each synthesis step was also determined. The results showed that the moisture, ash and the yield of activated carbon increased with increasing irradiation time. The iodine adsorption by the activated carbon increased up to 10 minutes, A10D200. The moisture and ash content, as well as iodine adsorption capacity of activated carbon have complied with SNI No.06-3730-1995. In the APS sample, only the water content (3.26%) complied with the relevant SNI. A10D200 is the best activated carbon from this research.