Effect of Temperature on the Combustion of Kepok Banana (Musa Paradisiaca Linn cv. 'Saba') Peel as Potassium Source

Abstract

The aims of this study is to determine the optimum combustion temperature of kepok banana (Musa Paradisiaca Linn cv. 'Saba') peel as a potassium source. Experiment was started by combustion kepok banana peel to ashes. Combustion was carried out by inserting 15 g of kepok banana peel into a muffle furnace at temperatures of 450, 500, 550 and 600oC for 3 and 5 hours. The content of potassium in the ash was extracted with pure water which ash-water ratio was 1:100 and the soaking time was 24 hours. Furthermore, analysis of the extract was carried based on various parameter such as normality, pH, electrical conductivity, and potassium content (as K2O). The best of potassium content obtained from ashes produced by combustion of kepok banana peel was 61.80% at temperatures of 550oC for 5 hours of combustion time.