Progress on Pine Derivative Products as Fuel Source in Indonesia

Pine resin is a non-wood forestry product in Indonesia that can be converted into a much higher value product. Pine resin traditionally is converted into rosin and turpentine. Due to the scarcity supply of fossil fuel, turpentine has been studied as fuel for diesel substitution. Pinene, the highest component found in pine resin is the primary fuel source candidate. Pinene dimer, modified pinene using catalysts or ozone have a heating value similar to that of JP-10, a tactical fuel for rockets. This paper discussed the technological development of pinene and pinene dimers as a fuel. The opportunity and challenge for producing pine based fuel in Indonesia were also addressed.