Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Plastic waste is a severe and persistent environmental issue, particularly in marine ecosystems, where it endangers wildlife through ingestion, asphyxiation, and entrapment. Additionally, plastic production significantly contributes to global warming, with an estimated 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 originating from plastic products. To address these challenges, environmentally friendly packaging—particularly bioplastics—offers a sustainable alternative by reducing fossil fuel dependence and mitigating pollution. Bioplastics, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and agricultural waste, provide a promising solution due to their biodegradability and lower environmental footprint. Agricultural waste, including fruit peels, presents an untapped resource for bioplastic production, as it is rich in polysaccharides and phenolic compounds that enhance material strength and biodegradability. Among these, Cucumis melo peels have been identified as a potential bioplastic source due to their biochemical composition, including essential polysaccharides like pectin and hemicellulose. However, research on melon peel-derived bioplastics remains limited, offering an opportunity to explore their viability as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This study aims to produce bioplastic from melon peels and evaluate its mechanical properties in comparison to conventional plastics, contributing to sustainable material development and global efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Through biopolymer extraction, synthesis, and performance testing, this research seeks to provide innovative solutions for waste utilization and environmental conservation.
Statement of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Does modifying the solution of the bioplastic lead to improvements in terms of:
1.1 Odor
1.2 Color
2 How do the different formulations of bioplastic made from Cucumis melo peel extract compare in terms of:
2.1 Cost
2.2 Tensile Strength
2.3 Biodegradability
3. How does the bioplastic made from Cucumis melo peel extract perform when exposed to different types of products?
3.1 Perishable products
3.2 Dry goods
3.4 Frozen products
3.4 Liquid products
4. How do the different formulations of bioplastic made from Cucumis melo peel extract react when exposed to direct heat?
Methodology
Methodology
The research methodology involved multiple stages to develop and test bioplastics derived from Cucumis melo peels. Initially, bioplastic formulations were prepared by combining melon peel powder, starch, glycerin, vinegar, water, and various additives such as acetic acid, baking soda, essential oil, and carbon black pigment. These mixtures were heated to form a gel-like consistency, molded into sheets, and air-dried for three days. The resulting bioplastics were evaluated for odor, color uniformity, tensile strength, and biodegradability. Mechanical performance was tested using a tensile strength apparatus, while biodegradability was assessed by monitoring disintegration over ten days in soil. Exposure tests were conducted by subjecting the bioplastic to perishable, dry, frozen, and liquid products, as well as direct heat, to determine its practical application. Cost analysis was performed to assess economic feasibility. The final formulation was selected based on its balance of strength, biodegradability, and microbial resistance, with considerations for improving water and heat resistance for commercial viability.
Results and Discussion
Results and Discussion
The results of the study revealed that modifying the bioplastic formulation significantly impacted its physical, mechanical, and economic properties. In terms of odor and color, formulations containing essential oils exhibited a strong fragrance, while those with carbon black pigment had the most uniform coloration. Tensile strength testing showed that the formulation with baking soda had the highest durability, whereas the one with only acetic acid was the weakest. Biodegradability tests confirmed that all bioplastics fully degraded within ten days, though those with carbon black pigment degraded at a slower rate. Performance tests with different product types showed that the bioplastics were effective for dry and frozen goods but were unsuitable for liquid storage due to softening and disintegration. Heat exposure tests demonstrated that all formulations softened and carbonized under direct flame, with only slight improvements in heat resistance observed in those containing essential oils and carbon black pigment. Cost analysis revealed that baking soda-based formulations were the most affordable, while those with carbon black pigment were the most expensive. The final formulation, incorporating acetic acid and carbon black pigment, was selected for its optimal balance of strength, biodegradability, and microbial resistance. However, further modifications are needed to improve water and heat resistance for broader applications.
References
References
Afandi, W. (2024, September 8). Bioplastic pros and cons: Are they the future or just hype? ecomaniac.org. https://ecomaniac.org/bioplastic-pros-and-cons/
Agricultural residue-based bioplastics: Potential options for high-value agricultural residue utilization. (n.d.). BioResources. https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/agricultural-residue-based-bioplastics-potential-options-for-high-value-agricultural-residue-utilization/
Cho, R. (2024, June 27). The truth about bioplastics. State of the Planet. https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/
De Mesa, F. A. G., Villanueva, J. C. C., & Rebullar, M. D. (2019, January 18). Melon (Cucumis melo) peel extract as biodegradable plastic. AAJMRA. https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/4116
Ibrahim, N. I., Shahar, F. S., Sultan, M. T. H., Shah, A. U. M., Safri, S. N. A., & Yazik, M. H. M. (2021). Overview of bioplastic introduction and its applications in product packaging. Coatings, 11(11), 1423. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11111423
Impacts of plastic pollution | US EPA. (2024, April 23). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/plastics/impacts-plastic-pollution
Jariyasakoolroj, P., Leelaphiwat, P., & Harnkarnsujarit, N. (2018). Advances in research and development of bioplastic for food packaging. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 100(14), 5032–5045. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9497
Kale, G., Kijchavengkul, T., Auras, R., Rubino, M., Selke, S. E., & Singh, S. P. (2007). Compostability of bioplastic packaging materials: An overview. Macromolecular Bioscience, 7(3), 255–277. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.200600168
Kharb, J., & Saharan, R. (2024). Development of biodegradable and eco-friendly fruit peel-derived bioplastic film with antibacterial potential for food packaging application. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-05834-5
Myeni, Z. R., Deenadayalu, N., & Gbadeyan, O. J. (2024). Development and characterization of biodegradable bioplastics using agricultural waste. In Biomass-based Bioplastic and Films (pp. 135–149). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71859-5_8
Rajaram, B., Onepe, M., & Ulrich, M. (2022, June 13). Material analysis for bioplastics quality assurance and degradation. TA Instruments - Materials Science Solutions. https://www.tainstruments.com/material-analysis-for-bioplastics-quality-assurance-and-degradation/
Ramlan, H. (2024, May 24). A comprehensive guide to eco packaging: Sustainable solutions for a greener future. Atomix Blog. https://www.atomixlogistics.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-eco-packaging
Rathner, Z. (2024, June 20). Bioplastics: A sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. M. Holland Company. https://www.mholland.com/market-insights/bioplastics-a-sustainable-alternative-to-traditional-plastics
Ritchie, H., Samborska, V., & Roser, M. (2023, November 1). Plastic pollution. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution
Rooland. (2019, December 3). What is eco-friendly packaging? (And why it’s important for your sales). Rooland. https://www.rooland.com/what-is-eco-friendly-packaging/
Siddiqova, S., Azizov, D., Eshbekov, A., Maulyanov, S., Elova, N., & Azimova, A. (2024, December 30). Polysaccharides of the peel of two types of Cucumis melo (Torpedo, Obi-Navvat) and their antimicrobial and prebiotic activity. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal. https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/polysaccharides-of-the-peel-of-two-types-of-%D1%81ucumis-melo-torpedo-obi-navvat-and-their-antimicrobial-and- prebiotic-activity/
Sivakumar, S. R., Suresh, S. N., Winifrida, K., Subramani, R., & Pushparaj, C. (2024). Converting vegetable and fruit mixture waste into eco-friendly bioplastic sheets and films using a solution casting method. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-05723-x
Towards Zero Waste: A Catalyst for Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. (n.d.). International Environmental Technology Centre. https://www.unep.org/ietc/resources/report/towards-zero-waste-catalyst-delivering-sustainable-development-goals
Towards Zero Waste - A Catalyst for Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. (n.d.). UNEP - UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/towards-zero-waste-catalyst-delivering-sustainable-development-goals
Yadav, K., & Nikalje, G. C. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of bioplastics: Life cycle assessment, waste management, biodiversity impact, and sustainable mitigation strategies. PeerJ, 12, e18013. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18013
Zhao, X., Cornish, K., & Vodovotz, Y. (2020). Narrowing the gap for bioplastic use in food packaging: An update. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(8), 4712–4732. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b03755
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse