Optimization of the drying of banana pseudostem (Musa paradisiaca) and its potential use as biodegradable plant material

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a global problem in all natural ecosystems. The search for alternatives that minimize the impact of waste generated by human activities is a constant need, which is why research seeks materials with characteristics of malleability, stability and, above all, biodegradability. Our research seeks to optimize the drying process of the banana pseudostem (Musa paradisiaca) leaf sheaths for use as biodegradable plant material. We analyzed the physical properties of the leaf sheaths according to: stem weight and biometry. Likewise, the response surface methodology (MSR) was applied to optimize the drying temperature (30 - 80 o C) and time (8 - 144 hours), with the answers being: % humidity, water absorption and apparent density, for the Obtaining dried banana pseudostem sheets for future applications. Lengths of 70 cm were worked where the optimum drying ranges were: temperature (70 to 90 °C) and time (60 - 100 h). The best drying time and temperature conditions of the banana pseudostem leaf sheaths allowed easy handling and flexibility of the materials obtained from the drying process for later use as biodegradable material.