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Charcoal from Palm Waste

CSEF · 2012 Environmental Science First Award

Corlin L. Palmer · Point Loma Senior High School, San Diego, San Diego County

Overview

Objectives/Goals My objective was to efficiently produce charcoal from discarded palm waste that can perform well compared to other types of charcoal. Methods/Materials I designed a steel-based apparatus to more efficiently make charcoal out of palm tree droppings, which is done by burning with a restricted oxygen supply, crushing it into powder, mixing it with other ingredients, and pressing it into briquettes. Results The performance of the palm charcoal was very comparable to that of the commercial hardwood charcoal in every test, though undeniably a bit worse. Conclusions/Discussion Though not quite as good as its commercial rival, using palm waste for charcoal production could greatly reduce deforestation in the third world, improving lives with its cheap and easy production.

Summary statement

By making charcoal out of the waste dropped by palm trees instead of hard woods, forests can be saved and lives can be improved.

Help received

Mother helped with arranging and gluing the board

Awards (1)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2012 Environmental Science · Entry S1117

Resources

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