Development of Technology for Molded Biodegradable Eco-Tableware Based on Citrus Crop Recycling Waste

Abstract

The development and production of molded biodegradable eco-tableware, similar in performance properties to polymers from petroleum products, but at the same time having the ability to biodegrade in compost, is one of the ways to solve the environmental problem associated with the disposal of polymer waste from petroleum products. Scientists around the world are conducting research on the production of molded products from organic raw materials with a controlled service life. Citrus crop waste (orange peel) is suitable as the main organic raw material for the formation of the matrix. To regulate the operational properties of molded products, it is proposed to introduce a biopolymer composite into the product matrix, as well as the selection of optimal technological parameters, namely pressure, which is an innovation. The purpose of this work is to develop a formulation and select optimal direct pressing modes for producing molded products from a mixture of biodegradable materials (fine powder from orange peel with the addition of a biopolymer component) and to study their operational properties. To achieve this goal, rectangular plates were molded: 4 sample prototypes and a control sample. Further, the evaluation of operational properties was carried out according to such quality indicators as: physical and mechanical properties, humidity, density and water absorption, and the structure of the material. The study showed that the best characteristics are observed in sample 1 (orange peel/ biopolymer composite (9/1,0 gr.)) when conducting the molding process at a pressure of 2 MPa and a temperature of 150 °C. The maximum strength of the product was 6,18 MPa. The water absorption of the product in 30 minutes was 13,40 % at a density of 1226 kg/m³ and an initial product humidity of 6,1 %. The developed formulation and selection of optimal direct pressing modes will allow to obtain a wide range of molded biodegradable eco-tableware with optimal performance properties.