Characterization of Chemical-Physical Properties on a Dried Waste of Sago Pith

Abstract

Sago palm is the oldest tropical plant that has been explored to get starch. However, untreated sago waste is often disposed to the nearest river, and it will contribute to the environmental problem. Since it still has a high content of starch, namely amylose and amylopectin, it has the potential to be turned into other high value-added products such as poultry feed, bioassay, and substrate in laccase production. However, before it can be converted, it must be dried to the desired moisture level. Its chemical-physical properties must be evaluated before it can be applied to ensure its composition fulfils the substrate specification for other usages. After it has undergone the drying process via the fluidized bed dryer, the analysis of its chemical-physical properties, determination of its moisture content, fat content and solubility in a distilled water must be performed. The results showed the final moisture content of samples were MC<sub><em>f</em></sub>=9.2-10.9 w/w% that fulfil the minimum specification; MC<sub><em>f</em></sub>≤12 w/w%. In addition, the fat content of samples was <1%, and the water solubility increased at a higher temperature. This occurred due to the gelatinization process when the water bath temperature exceeded 60<sup>o</sup>C. Besides, it was determined that the optimum drying temperature was achieved at T=106.6<sup>o</sup>C with the optimum drying time was t=56 minutes, and the optimal temperature of the water bath was at T=60<sup>o</sup>C. These optimal conditions are very crucial and should be considered as the sago pith tends to be retrograded.