Karakteristik Arang Aktif dari Pelepah Aren (Arenga longipes Mogea) serta Formulasinya sebagai Masker Clay

Abstract

Activated carbon is.one.of.the.needs in the industrial sector in.Indonesia, one of which is the cosmetics industry. Palm fronds (Arenga longipes Mogea) are one of the potential raw materials for activated charcoal. This study aims to characterize activated charcoal from palm fronds and its formulation as a clay mask. This study used a physical gradual activation treatment (high temperature) and continued with chemical activation (ZnCl2). Characterization of palm frond charcoal based on test parameters, namely water.content, ash.content, .and fly substance content.with.a charcoal size of 100 mesh. Testing of clay mask preparation includes organoleptic test, pH test, homogeneity test, drying time test, and irritation test using 12 volunteers. The results showed that almost all parameters met SNI 06-3730-1995. The results showed the weight change value ranged from 0.19-0.28%; moisture content 0.14-0.19%; ash content 0.1-0.29%; volatile substance content 0.43-0.64%; and bound carbon content 99-99.12%. The results of the characteristic examination of the preparations' organoleptic test showed that the variations in chemical activation treatment using ZnCl2 of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% did not change the shape, color and smell. Based on homogeneity testing, the preparation showed homogeneity. The pH test yielded a range of 5.7-6.1. The drying test resulted in 10-11 minutes, and the skin irritation test on volunteers showed no irritation on the skin. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that activated charcoal from palm fronds that have been treated with activation has the potential to be an adsorbent medium for cosmetic raw materials in the form of clay masks.