The study of the factors affecting viscosity of locally made bio-resin from raw banana peels

Abstract

Over 30 million tons of banana peels are thrown away annually worldwide, leading to disposal by burning which is environmentally unfriendly. Strong governments support for environmental conservation and increasing dangers of incineration emissions have directed research into eco-friendly materials. The aim of this research therefore, was to study the utilization of banana peels, a case study of factors affecting viscosity of locally made bio-resin from raw banana peels. The peels were washed, boiled and pureed. Effect of temperature, time, resin, glycerin, and water ratios on bio-resin viscosity were studied through use of the universal rotatable design and multiple regression analysis. Second order polynomial regression equation for viscosity was fitted and exhibited a co-efficient of determination (R2) of 0.95. According to the results obtained in this research paper, resin quantity was the most influential factor towards the desired viscosity of the bio-resin contributing 41% to the regression model. Other factors included water ratio (20%), glycerin ratio (18.6%) among others. The developed bio-resin had an optimized viscosity response value of 242.01 mPa. s within confidence interval limits of 229.6 mPa. s to 254.5 mPa. s. This viscosity value was in a close range to existing commercial resins including maize cornstarch bio-resin and synthetic urea formaldehyde used in reinforced bio-composites development.