Physicochemical Properties and Characterisation Of Wax Extracted From Cassava Byproducts – Peels And Bagasses

Abstract

Waxes were extracted from byproducts of cassava processing (peels and bagasse s), characteris ed an d analyzed for their physicochemical  properties to determine their industrial potential uses as a way of environmental pollution otherwise caused by indiscrim inate deposal. The  characteris ation was done using FTI R, UV visible spectroscopy and SEM. The physicochemical properties wer e done using standard methods. The  results obtained were; yield (8.51±0.19% and 9.86±0.16% (w/w), melting point (63.5±0.06 and 62.50±0.09^oC), saponification value (103.42±0.19 and  275.01 ±0.01 mg/KOH/g), acid value (23.40±0.20 and 29.15±0.02 mg/KOH/g), ester value (80.02±0.15 and 245.85±0.12 mg/KOH/g), free fatty acid
(11.77±0.07 and 14.66±0.10 mg/KOH/g) and iodine value (90.03±0.03 and 22.54±0.04 mg/KOH/g) respectively. Also, the waxes were viscous liquid at  room temperature, colourless, odourless and free of adulterants. Although both waxed differed significantly in the chemical properties, both  exhibited similar properties as beeswax. It was concluded that waxes from both byproducts can find useful industrial applications as beeswax in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, paints and food industries. Also, it will reduce their effect s on environmental degradation otherwise caused by  inappropriate disposal of the wastes.