Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION IV-A (CALABARZON)
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CAVITE PROVINCE
INDANG INTEGRATED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
J. DIMABILING ST. POBLACION IV, INDANG, CAVITE

CHI-COAL: Chico (Manilkara zapota) Seed-Based Bio-charcoal

Briquettes

Rationale

The global energy landscape faces a critical juncture, balancing the demand for

reliable energy with the urgent need for environmental sustainability. Traditional reliance on

fossil fuels and conventional charcoal production contributes significantly to deforestation,

greenhouse gas emissions, and widespread environmental degradation. Compounding this

challenge is the inefficient management of agricultural byproducts, such as the Manilkara

zapota (chico) seeds, which are frequently discarded as waste. This underutilized biomass

represents a lost opportunity for resource valorization and exacerbates waste disposal issues.

Addressing these interconnected problems necessitates innovative solutions that transform

agricultural waste into valuable, sustainable energy sources, fostering both ecological
preservation and economic development.

Chico seed as bio-charcoal briquettes proposes an innovative and sustainable solution by

converting these abundant Manilkara zapota seeds into high-quality bio-charcoal briquettes.

This project aims to systematically investigate and optimize the parameters for producing

bio-charcoal from chico seeds, focusing on factors such as pyrolysis conditions (e.g.,

temperature, residence time) and the effectiveness of various binding agents. The objective is

to develop a product with superior combustion efficiency, mechanical strength, and

environmental performance, offering a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional charcoal.

According to ATTRA (2025), the potential for biochar to create economic boosts and promote

sustainable agriculture is significant. By valorizing an agricultural waste stream, Chico seeds

as bio-charcoal briquettes will not only mitigate environmental burdens but also create new

economic avenues for local communities, providing an eco-friendly fuel source and

contributing significantly to a more circular and sustainable energy future.

A. Background of the Study

Such agricultural waste into bio-charcoal briquettes offers a dual benefit: managing waste

efficiently and generating renewable energy. Wikipédia (n.d.) explains that biochar is

produced via pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that converts organic matter into a carbon-

rich solid fuel in an oxygen-limited environment, a method proven effective with other fruit

seeds as demonstrated by ResearchGate (2018) for jackfruit and MATEC Web of

Conferences (2019) for talisay. These bio-charcoal briquettes, according to [Link]

(2025) and Biobriq (2025), offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fuels,

possessing higher calorific values, lower moisture content, and reduced emissions, thereby
mitigating deforestation and providing a reliable energy source. Therefore, this study aims to

systematically investigate the optimal pyrolysis conditions, physical properties, and the

effectiveness of various binding agents for Chico (Manilkara zapota) seed bio-charcoal

briquettes, ultimately contributing to sustainable energy solutions and agricultural waste

valorization within the Philippine context.

B. Questions or Problem Being Addressed

This study, entitled “ CHI-COAL: Chico (Manilkara zapota) Seed-Based Bio-

charcoal Briquettes,” aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the optimal pyrolysis conditions for Chico (Manilkara zapota)

seeds to maximize bio-char yield and achieve desirable bio-char quality

(specifically, fixed carbon content and calorific value)?

2. What are the key physical properties (density and mechanical

strength/durability) of bio-charcoal briquettes produced from Chico (Manilkara

zapota) seeds under optimized pyrolysis conditions?

3. How do different binding agents affect the briquette integrity and

combustion efficiency of Chico (Manilkara zapota) seed bio-charcoal briquettes?

C. Goal, Expected Outcome, Hyphotheses

This study's goal, expected outcome, hyphotheses are:

Goal:

The study aims to develop a sustainable method for producing high-quality bio-

charcoal briquettes from Manilkara zapota (chico) seeds, transforming this

agricultural waste into a valuable, eco-friendly energy source.

Expected Outcome:

This research is anticipated to yield optimized pyrolysis parameters and effective

binding agent formulations for chico seed bio-charcoal briquettes, providing

comprehensive characterization data and demonstrating the material's viability as a

sustainable fuel alternative.

Hypotheses:

1. There will be no significant treatment (i.e., varying pyrolysis temperatures, binder

concentrations, or compaction pressures) that will be the most effective in terms of:

a. Yield of Chico (Manilkara zapota) seed bio-charcoal

b. Calorific value (Higher Heating Value - HHV) of the briquettes

c. Fixed carbon content of the briquettes

d. Mechanical strength and durability of the briquettes

e. Water absorption resistance of the briquettes

2. There will be no significant difference in the combustion characteristics (e.g.,

burning rate, ignition time, thermal efficiency) between Chico (Manilkara zapota)

seed bio-charcoal briquettes and commercially available charcoal briquettes.

3. There will be no significant difference in the environmental impact (e.g.,

particulate matter emissions, CO emissions) during combustion among Chico

(Manilmara zapota) seed bio-charcoal briquettes produced under different conditions.

Scope and Limitations

This study focuses on developing bio-charcoal briquettes using Manilkara zapota

(chico) seeds in order to optimize bio-char yield and quality. It evaluates the bio-charcoal's

physical characteristics (density, mechanical strength, durability), combustion properties

(calorific value, burning rate, smoke emission), and physicochemical composition (proximate

and ultimate analysis, surface morphology). Bio-char produced under different pyrolysis

conditions (temperature and residence time) and briquettes made with varying binding agents

are compared in this controlled laboratory study. However, the study is limited to specific

pyrolysis parameters, specific types and concentrations of binding agents, and laboratory-

scale testing. The results regarding real-world application, long-term stability, or full life

cycle assessment may not accurately reflect commercial-scale production or diverse user

conditions because they are limited to experimental conditions.

D. Description in Detail of Research Methods

This investigation will employ an experimental research design to explore the

conversion of Manilkara zapota (chico) seeds into bio-charcoal briquettes. The study will

involve controlled pyrolysis experiments to produce bio-char, followed by the formulation of

briquettes using various binding agents. Comprehensive analyses will then be conducted on

both the raw material and the final bio-charcoal product to evaluate their physicochemical

properties, as well as the briquettes' physical and combustion performance.

a. Procedure

1. Raw Material Preparation

Clean and dry Manilkara zapota (chico) seeds. Grind the dried seeds into a uniform
particle size suitable for pyrolysis.
 2. Bio-char Production

Conduct pyrolysis experiments on the prepared chico seed particles under varying
conditions of temperature and residence time. Collect and weigh the resulting bio-char for
yield determination.

3. Briquette Formulation

Mix the optimized bio-char with different binding agents (e.g., starch, molasses) at
specified concentrations. Form the mixture into briquettes using a press, and then dry
them to achieve stability.

4. Characterization

1. Physical properties: Density, mechanical strength (compressive), water resistance.

2. Chemical properties: Proximate analysis (moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon,
ash), ultimate analysis (C, H, N, S, O), Higher Heating Value (HHV), pH.
3. Combustion properties: Burning rate, ignition time, smoke emission.

a. Risk and Safety Assessment

Chico seeds, and potential dust or fumes during bio-char production and briquetting. When
heated to high temperatures, the pyrolysis process involves significant thermal risks,
including potential burns, and the production of gases that may be flammable or harmful if
inhaled without proper ventilation. Fine particulate matter from ground seeds or bio-char dust
can cause respiratory irritation and poses an explosion risk in concentrated environments.
Additionally, binding agents (e.g., starch, molasses) while generally safe, should be handled
to prevent slips and falls if spills occur, and their dust should not be inhaled. Proper handling
of all chemicals and equipment is crucial to prevent eye and skin irritation. We should always
consult relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used, ensure
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles
are worn, and that all experiments are conducted in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
Therefore, we should ask the expert or ask for help, we also need to know how to use them
properly.
D. Experimental Design
Independent Variable Pyrolysis Temperature (°C) and Residence Time (min)

Levels of Independent Pyrolysis Temperature:

Variable T₁ T₂ T₃
300°C 400°C 500°C
Residence Time:
R₁ R₂ R₃
30 min 60 min 90 min
Binding Agent Concentration:
B₁ B₂ B₃
5% 10% 15%
Number of Replicate 3 (Per treatment for bio-char and briquette characterization)

Dependent Variables 1. Bio-char Properties: Yield, Fixed Carbon, HHV, pH,

Surface Morphology

2. Briquette Properties: Density, Mechanical Strength, Water

Resistance, HHV, Smoke Emission, Burning Rate.
Controlled Variables Chico seed particle size, seed drying conditions, briquetting
pressure, briquette drying method, sample preparation for
analysis, ambient laboratory conditions

a. Data Analysis

Chico (Manilkara zapota) seed-based bio-charcoal briquettes present a promising

avenue for sustainable energy and waste utilization. The data analysis for such briquettes
would encompass several crucial aspects, beginning with their production efficiency. This
involves optimizing pyrolysis parameters like temperature (typically 350-700°C) and
residence time, along with careful raw material preparation, including drying Chico seeds to
an optimal moisture content and grinding them to a suitable particle size. Furthermore, the
briquetting process itself requires analysis of binder types (e.g., starch, molasses) and their
concentrations, compaction pressure, and the subsequent drying of the formed briquettes to
ensure mechanical strength and durability. Beyond production, a thorough characterization of
the briquettes' physicochemical properties is essential. This includes proximate analysis to
determine moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content, as well as ultimate
analysis for elemental composition (C, H, N, S, O). A key metric is the calorific value,
indicating the energy density, alongside physical properties such as bulk density, mechanical
strength, and water absorption. Finally, evaluating the combustion characteristics through
burning rate, ignition time, maximum temperature, and water boiling tests, coupled with an
assessment of emissions, would provide a comprehensive understanding of their performance
as an alternative fuel source. This holistic data analysis ensures that Chico seed bio-charcoal
briquettes are not only efficiently produced but also offer a viable, environmentally friendly,
and energy-efficient solution derived from agricultural waste.

E. Process Flowchart
Figure 1. Flowchart of the Study

Gathering of Materials

Preparation for the Experiment

Formation of Bio-charcoal Briquettes

Characterization

References

Arselan Coco. (2025, August 17). Environmental consequences: Traditional charcoal vs.
sustainable briquettes. [Link]
charcoal-vs-sustainable-briquettes/

ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture. (2025, August 21). Biochar.

[Link]

CliffsNotes. (2024, July 13). TOPIC-1 (2) (docx). [Link]

notes/16130105

RichestPH. (2026, January 3). Philippine biomass: A green investment hotspot.

[Link]

SAWA. (2025, October 25). Biochar. [Link]

Aller, D., Bakshi, S., & Laird, D. A. (2017). Modified method for proximate analysis of biochars.
Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 124, 335-342. [Link]

Celignis Biomass Laboratory. (n.d.). Analysis of Biochar Combustion Properties. Retrieved

February 18, 2026, from [Link] (This source
provides general information on ultimate analysis for biochar used as fuel.)

Klasson, K. T. (2017). Biochar characterization and a method for estimating biochar quality from
proximate analysis results. Biomass and Bioenergy, 96, 50-58.
[Link]

Qian, C., Li, Q., Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Hu, J. C., & Cao, W. (2020). Prediction of higher heating
values of biochar from proximate and ultimate analysis. Fuel, 265, 116925.
[Link]

Lubwama, M., Yiga, V. A., Muhairwe, F., & Kihedu, J. (2020). Physical and combustion
properties of agricultural residue bio-char bio-composite briquettes as sustainable domestic energy
sources. Renewable Energy, 148(C), 1002-1016. [Link]

Mau, V., & Gross, A. (2018). Energy conversion and gas emissions from production and
combustion of poultry-litter-derived hydrochar and biochar. Applied Energy, 213(C), 510-519.
[Link]

Mengesha, T. T., & Ramayya, A. V. (2017). Performance Evaluation of Pyrolysis Cookstove

Using Water Boiling Test. American Journal of Modern Physics, 6(5), 108-116.
[Link]
 Gantt Chart

2026

January February March April May June July August

Legend of Activities:
A. Consultation of Research Topic
B. Gathering RRLs and studies
C. Writing/Editing of Research Plan
D. Research Plan Validation/Presentation