THE STUDY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BIODEGRADABLE CONTAINERS FROM BANANA PEEL (Musa sapientum L.) SUPPLEMENT WITH BANANA SHEATH

Abstract

This research aimed to study the optimum ratio for extruding containers from banana peels, supplemented with banana sheaths. In conducting the research, three ratios of banana sheaths at 20, 30, and 40 percent were studied using a completely randomized design experiment. Then, the properties of the prepared containers such as thickness, water absorption, maximum force, hardness value, and heat resistance were studied. The surface was analyzed by electron microscopy scanning to select the container with the best properties for further analysis of the amount of microorganisms, biodegradation tests, and consumer satisfaction surveys. The results showed that the biodegradable containers made from banana peels reinforced with 30 percent banana sheaths were suitable for utilization. The containers obtained were brown in color, with a thickness of the edge of 1.83 mm and 2.03 at the bottom, a water absorption ability of 432.87 min/ml, a maximum force of 32.54 N, and a hardness value of 11.28 N. The heat resistance test of the material showed that the material had a decaying starting position of 266.40 ^๐C and a change in the content of 86.62%.  From the analysis of the surface of the container by electron microscopy scanning on the cross-sectional structure, it was found that the fibers were clustered and had little space between floors. The microbial content of the container was 1.1x10² CFU/piece, which could be degraded within 45 days. The respondents who were in the general consumer group, including a group of restaurant operators gave product satisfaction scores of 4.73 + 0.45 and 4.40 + 0.55, respectively. The use of this product for food packaging can be concluded to be preferable to using foam boxes made of non-biodegradable materials. This is an alternate method of enhancing the value of agricultural waste.