Citrus peel

PeelPicker

The biocomposite material derived from citrus fruit peels, specifically designed by Tanaya Akolkar and Bhavisha Darji, represents an innovative and sustainable approach to utilising agricultural waste. This material, classified as a bio-based composite, addresses the increasing demand for eco-friendly and renewable resources in various industries, particularly in architectural, commercial, and residential applications.

The primary composition of this biocomposite includes lignocellulose extracted from citrus fruit peels, fibres from banana trunks or sugarcane bagasse, and natural adhesives such as tamarind kernel powder, guar gum, and gum arabica. These components are all naturally occurring, ensuring that the material is compostable, toxin-free, and produced through environmentally safe processes.

Citrus fruit peels, especially from sweet lime, form a significant part of the raw material. In regions like India, where sweet lime juice is popular, a considerable amount of peel waste is generated daily. For instance, a local juice vendor can produce up to 12 kilograms of peel waste per day. This waste, which is rich in crude fibre, presents an untapped resource that the invention effectively utilises.

The material's development stems from the need to find alternatives to traditional wood-based products and petrochemical-derived adhesives, which have significant environmental and health impacts. Engineered wood products commonly use resins like urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde, which emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Additionally, products made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) release toxic substances and are associated with severe environmental pollution during their lifecycle.

The biocomposite made from citrus peels offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. Environmentally, it helps reduce methane emissions from landfills, where citrus peels would otherwise decompose. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction contributes to mitigating global warming. Moreover, the material's compostability ensures that it can be responsibly disposed of, further reducing its environmental footprint.

Economically, the low cost of raw materials, primarily because citrus peels are a waste product, makes the production process cost-effective. The biological processing methods used are energy efficient, offsetting the energy required for drying the material. Additionally, the adoption of this biocomposite aids municipal bodies in managing large quantities of wet waste, potentially lowering costs associated with waste collection and disposal.

This biocomposite material finds applications in various domains, including home decor, lifestyle accessories, and packaging. It can be used to make veneers, containers, holders, zip hard cases, decorative tiles, and lamps, among other items. The versatility of the material in terms of its physical properties, such as hardness, porosity, and translucency, allows it to be tailored to specific uses. For instance, by adjusting the proportion of adhesive, the material can be made more or less brittle, affecting its texture and strength.

In summary, the biocomposite made from citrus fruit peels represents a significant advancement in sustainable materials. It not only provides a viable alternative to environmentally harmful products but also promotes the use of renewable resources, contributing to a circular economy. This material aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on petrochemical products and enhance the sustainability of industrial processes.

Making process

The production of the biocomposite from citrus fruit peels involves several critical steps to ensure a high-quality, sustainable material:

1. Collection and Preparation:
Citrus fruit peels are collected, cut into smaller pieces, and boiled in water for a period to decontaminate them.

2. Fermentation:
The decontaminated peels are inoculated with a carefully selected consortium for fermentation. This process helps in breaking down lignin and converting the peels into a usable biopulp. The fermentation is carried out under controlled conditions to optimize the degradation and ensure the quality of the biopulp.

3. Fibre Processing:
Fibres from banana trunks or sugarcane bagasse are treated with an alkaline solution and mechanically pulped to achieve a homogeneous fibre pulp.

4. Adhesive Preparation:
An adhesive mix is created using tamarind kernel powder, guar gum, and gum arabica, which are dissolved and blended at controlled temperatures to form a cohesive binding agent.

5. Material Mixing:
The peel biopulp, treated fibres, and adhesive mix are thoroughly combined to form the material mix, ensuring even distribution of all components.

6. Moulding and Drying:
The material mix is moulded into the desired shape using methods like die moulding or press moulding, then dried either by air drying or oven drying at carefully controlled temperatures.

7. Surface Treatment:
Depending on the application, the biocomposite may receive surface treatments such as oils, coatings, or antifungal agents to enhance durability and prevent fungal growth.
This streamlined process optimizes natural resources and minimizes waste, resulting in a functional and environmentally friendly biocomposite material.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.