Abstract:
Agriculture waste have many advantages such as high specific strength
and modulus, low density, renewable nature, biodegradability and absence of health
hazards. This advantage is good for construction industry because it can improve
the properties of the composites. The coconut fruits contain 40% coconut husk, 30%
fiber and 30% dust, consisted of flesh, shell and fiber and chemical composition
such as cellulose, lignin, charcoal, acid and potassium. The advantages of coconut
shell are strong, rigid and lightweight material, very economical as large amounts
are available as agricultural waste material and environmentally friendly. This paper
presents the performance of modified binder incorporating coconut char in terms of
chemical properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Test (FTIR), Particle Size Analyzer
Test (LPSA) and Elemental Analyzer Test (EA) were used to analyze the chemical
properties on modified binder. Based on the findings, the increased content of char
affects the performance of bitumen significantly, as the bitumen maintains stability
and homogenous state even though placed in high temperature condition. The testing
result value of FTIR and LPSA are increased with the increased content of coconut
char. Based on the results, the modified mixture has the higher chemical components
and porosity compared to original bitumen and coconut shell because of the
modification.
