Preparation of Bio-Based Polymer from Biomass Using Green Plantain Peel and Rice Husk Blends

Biopolymers were prepared from blends of Green Plantain Peel Powder (GPPP) and Rice Husk Powder (RHP) in various ratios (25:75, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 75:25, and 100:0) and evaluated for solvent extractability, chemical resistance, water solubility and biodegradability of the biopolymer samples. Hexane extractability was low (2 to 25 %). The solubility in acid (HCl) and acetic acid ranged from 27-36 % and 15 to 34 %, respectively with RHP-rich biopolymers showing enhance chemical stability. Solubility in alkaline (NaOH) varied from 01to 4 %. Water absorption (33-96 %) increased with GPPP content, consisted with its hydrophilic starch-rich matrix. The findings showed that biodegradability was strongly influenced by blend composition. Formulations rich in GPPP exhibited rapid degradation, with 40:60 (GPPP: RHP) blend achieving total degradation (100 % weight loss) by day 15. The 100:0 and 75:25 blends recorded 86 % and 79 % weight loss respectively, while moderate degradation was observed for the 60:40 blend (65.5 %). The RHP-rich blends (50:50, 25:75) showed complete degradation from the 5^th day through the 15^th day period.