%0 Journal Article
%T Valorization and Miscellaneous Prospects of Waste Musa balbisiana Colla Pseudostem
%A Krishna Gogoi
%A Mayur Mausoom Phukan
%A Nipu Dutta
%A Salam Pradeep Singh
%A Pitambar Sedai
%A Bolin Kumar Konwar
%A Tarun Kumar Maji
%J Journal of Waste Management
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/412156
%X Resourceful utilization of the enormous quantum of agrowastes generated via agricultural practices can be supportive in waste management, environmental upgradation, and subsequent material and energy recovery. In this regard, the present study aimed at highlighting waste banana (Musa balbisiana Colla) pseudostem (an agrowaste) as a potential bio-based feedstock with miscellaneous applications. The pseudostem was characterized by carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen (CHN) analysis, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TGDTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were estimated as a part of biochemical characterization. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were carried out as a part of antioxidant characterization. The waste banana pseudostem biomass (WBPB) was also tried successfully as a natural filler in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer composite. Thermal properties and water uptake test of the WBPB polymer composite were accessed as a part of composite characterization. The pseudostem had calorific value (15.22£żMJ/kg), high holocellulose (58.67%), high free radical scavenging potential (69.9%), and a low ash content (6.8%). Additionally, the WBPB polymer composite showed improved water resistance and thermostability. The study suggests feasibility of WBPB as a prospective bioenergy feedstock, primary antioxidant source, and reinforcing agent in polymer composites. 1. Introduction With green revolution hitting the block and subsequent intensification in agricultural practices, speedy increase in volumes and types of agrowastes generated is indispensable. Wide scale global distribution, renewable nature, and zero cost accessibility have already highlighted the importance of agrowastes as a potential resource for material and energy recovery. On a global scale, 140 billion metric tons of biomass are generated every year [1] of which a considerable proportion is agrowaste. Judicious utilization of this enormous quantum of agrowastes (lignocellulosic biomass) for material and energy recovery would undoubtedly aid in solving the menace of waste management and resource depletion. Lignocellulosic biomass which represents a renewable and largely untapped source of raw feedstock for conversion into liquid and gaseous fuels, thermochemical products, and other energy-related end products [2] can assist in anthropogenic endeavors for combating energy crisis and promoting sustainable
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jwm/2014/412156/