Characterization of agro-industrial byproducts and wastes for sustainable industrial application

The present study aimed to characterize the agro-industrial by-products and wastes in terms of physical, functional, rheological, thermal, frictional and aerodynamic properties. It was observed that highest fat content (1.44%) was observed in potato peel powder (PPP) with largest median particle diameter (330.353 mu m), water binding capacity (4.18 g/g) and swelling power (13.63%). Deoiled rice bran (DRB) had highest loose (4.33 g/ml) and tapped (4.65 g/ml) bulk density as well as (13.66%) protein content. Banana peel powder contained the highest amount of fiber (29.53%). All the raw materials (DRB, PDH and PPP) were free flowing in nature. However, banana peel powder (BPP) showed difficult flowing nature and had higher cohesion index (12.29) and caking strength. Thermo-gravimetric analysis revealed that highest residual mass was observed in paddy husk (PDH) (87.73%) and the lowest was found for BPP (42.29%). Aerodynamic properties revealed that DRB was heavier to lift than that of other powders.