The Effect of Variations in Coconut Shell Carbon Concentration on the Characteristics of Environmentally Friendly Whiteboard Marker Inks

Pengaruh Variasi Konsentrasi Karbon Tempurung Kelapa Terhadap Karakteristik Tinta Spidol Whiteboard Ramah Lingkungan

Abstract

Indonesia is a tropical country with abundant natural resources. One of them is coconut (Cocos nucifera). All parts of the coconut fruit can be used. However, there are also parts that become waste, such as coconut fibers and shells. Coconut shells can be processed into activated carbon because it has a carbon element content of 74.3%. This research aims to use coconut shell waste as a raw material to make environmentally friendly whiteboard marker ink. The carbon variations used were 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% in 100 ml of solution. The steps to make whiteboard marker ink include carbonization of coconut shells, and then use a 100-mesh sieve to screen the carbon. Mix the carbon with 5 grams of gum arabic, 15 ml of polyethylene glycol (PEG), 50 ml of distilled water, and 35 ml of 70% alcohol and stir until uniform. After being homogenous, the characteristics of the ink are tested. From the results of research that has been carried out, the best coconut shell carbon ink is at a carbon concentration of 35% with a density of 1.2206 g/cm3, a viscosity of 2.568 cP, a pH level of 9.967 (alkaline) and has a concentrated black pigment.

Keywords : characteristics, carbon, coconut shell, whiteboard marker ink