Parameter for scale-up of extraction Cymbopogon nardus dry leaf using microwave assisted hydro-distillation

Abstract

Large capacity in extraction using the microwave hydrodistillation method is always a challenge to do. The biggest obstacle in this method is the limitations of microwaves penetrating the material. Besides that, the high heat produced due to molecular heating simultaneously causes some components to degrade and reduce the quality of essential oils. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of the ratio of the sample plant (Cymbopogon nardus) to the solvent (F/S = 0.08, 0.16, 0.24 g/mL), as well as the ratio of volume distiller to volume microwave cavity (D/M = 0,04, 0,08 v/v) to the yield and quality of Citronella Oil produced. The experimental lead to the conclusion that the ratio of the sample plant to the solvent (F/S) of 0.24 g/ mL is the maximum for extraction of Citronella Oil. The ratio of volume distiller to volume microwave cavity (D/M) 0,08 v/v provides a higher yield compared to (D/M) 0,04 v/v with a longer extraction time. The qualitative analysis by GC-MS shows that the Citronella is the main component of Citronella Oil. The composition showed significant differences in the essential oil content of different ratio of volume distiller to volume microwave cavity (D/M). The ratio volume distiller to volume microwave cavity (D/M) 0,04 v/v gave 21 component with the highest Citronella percentage (40.54%). Compared to (D/M) 0,08 v/v gave 27 component with the Citronella percentage (18.64%). The results showed that different volume of distillers showed different yields and components.