Wax Effect on Hydrophobic Properties of Banana Leaves

Wax extraction of two types of banana leaves: Musa parasidiaca L. and Musa actiminato Colla; were conducted by immersing the banana leaves in chloroform in order to investigate the hydrophobicity and self-cleaning behaviour. Then, the resulting solvent was evaporated and crystallized at room temperature. Morphology of the both waxes was observed by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and the chemical elements obtained which were carbon and silicon by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). The melting point of Musa parasidiaca L. and Musa acuminata Colla were 80.2 degrees C and 82.9 respectively whereas the water contact angle of the wax surfaces of Musa parasidiaca L. and Musa acuminata Colla 137.3 degrees and 132.8 degrees. Both waxes exhibited hydrophobicity due to the contact angles values that exceeded 90 degrees and Musa parasidiaca L. showed higher contact angle and suitable for biomimetic application. The characterization of the banana leaves wax can he a source of coating and textiles industry