Obtención de fibras naturales y subproductos líquidos a partir de biomasa mediante un proceso de explosión con vapor, análisis de propiedades y potenciales usos

Abstract

The valorization of agricultural waste is an increasingly relevant topic. This study focused on the extraction and characterization of natural fibers and liquid byproducts from banana leaves (Musa paradisiaca) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), using the steam explosion (SE) process. The investigation aimed to analyze the properties and potential applications of the products. Residence times of 1 second (referred to as B1 and C1 for banana and sugarcane, respectively) and 10 minutes (B10 and C10) were used in the process. The extracted fibers showed yields of 3.59% for B1, 3.10% for B10, 2.79% for C1, and 2.67% for C10. The organic carbon content in the extracted fibers was higher than in the original material, with B1 reaching 59.29% and C10 reaching 50.08%, suggesting good structural stability and potential for use in biocomposites. The dimensional and biodegradability analysis of HDPE-fiber composites indicated good dimensional stability of banana fibers in high-humidity environments and a biodegradability rate of 10% (for C10). Chemically, the fibers exhibited nitrogen concentrations between 1.58% and 1.98%, and phosphorus and potassium concentrations ranging from 0.436 to 3.512 ppm, limiting their potential use as fertilizers. Additionally, the liquid byproducts from each treatment did not contain nitrogen, and phosphorus and potassium levels ranged from 0.103 to 0.680 ppm, ruling out their use as fertilizers. However, all the liquid byproducts demonstrated phytotoxic potential, with seed germination indices between 0.00% and 22.19%, indicating their potential as herbicides.