Exploring Allium cepa L. (Red Onion) Bulb's Skin as Potential Additive Against Infrared Radiation Degradation Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.

This study investigates the potential of red onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb skin extract as a natural, eco-friendly alternative for mitigating infrared (IR) radiation-induced degradation, focusing on its bioactive flavonoids like quercetin through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize functional groups and support waste valorization under circular economy principles. The extract was prepared via maceration with 70% aqueous ethanol (1:20 g:mL ratio, 24–48 hours), filtered, and concentrated to a viscous residue, with baseline FTIR analysis performed at AdDU-CARL using a Shimadzu 8400S spectrometer (4000–400 cm⁻¹ range). Results showed an 18.5% yield and key peaks at 3382.91 cm⁻¹ (phenolic -OH for antioxidant activity) and 1625.88 cm⁻¹ (aromatic C=C confirming flavonoids), validating extraction success, though post-IR exposure data remains pending; this lays groundwork for sustainable bio-based protective applications.