We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From Waste to Value: Fruit Biofillers in Biodegradable Composite Materials
AI summary Read the abstract
Biodegradable composites made from peach and apple processing waste via hot-compression molding achieved modulus of elasticity values exceeding 1000 MPa and 54–91% biodegradation over 200 days in soil burial tests. This demonstrates a viable circular economy pathway for converting fruit industry byproducts into plastic-free structural materials.
This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics by developing biodegradable composites from peach and apple processing waste employing hot compression molding. Utilizing a definitive screening design, the impact of process variables, including recipe composition, grinding size, pressure, temperature, and holding time, on the physical, mechanical, and water-resistance properties of the composites was systematically evaluated. Physicochemical and thermal analyses of the dried by-products indicated that processing temperatures below 150°C prevent degradation of lignocellulosic constituents. The results demonstrated that increasing both molding pressure and holding time decreased composite thickness, while enhancing stiffness and flexural strength, with modulus of elasticity values exceeding 1000 MPa under optimal conditions. Higher molding temperatures reduced water absorption and diffusivity, particularly in lignin rich composites, by promoting lignin softening and particle consolidation, resulting in denser structures with limited moisture transport. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests over 200 days, revealing a weight loss ranging from 54.2% to 90.7% among samples, with apple-based composites exhibiting greater degradation compared to peach-based ones. Overall, the study highlights the development of a “green composite” formulation where two different in composition biowastes are combined to produce a plastic free composite material with possible applications in food service industry.
More Papers Like This
From Waste to Value: Fruit Biofillers in Biodegradable Composite Materials
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers produced compostable composite materials from peach and apple processing waste using hot compression molding, finding that higher molding pressure, temperature, and holding time improved stiffness and reduced water absorption — with apple-based composites degrading up to 90.7% in soil over 200 days, offering a plastic-free alternative for single-use foodservice applications.
Development of Biodegradable Cups from Corn and Fruit Processing Waste and Its Characterization: A Sustainable Approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biodegradable cups using byproducts from corn and fruit processing as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic cups. The study demonstrates a practical pathway for converting agricultural waste streams into functional single-use packaging materials. This approach could reduce both plastic pollution and food industry waste simultaneously.
Maleic anhydride compatibilized peach waste as filler in polypropylene and high density polyethylene biocomposites
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed polypropylene and high-density polyethylene biocomposites using peach pit waste as a filler, compatibilized with maleic anhydride. The biocomposites showed promising mechanical properties, offering a potential use for the approximately 103,000 tons of US peach waste produced annually.
Valorization of Cork Stoppers, Coffee-Grounds and Walnut Shells in the Development and Characterization of Pectin-Based Composite Films: Physical, Barrier, Antioxidant, Genotoxic, and Biodegradation Properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biodegradable composite films using pectin combined with waste materials from cork stoppers, coffee grounds, and walnut shells as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. The films showed antioxidant properties, were non-genotoxic, and biodegraded effectively in both soil and seawater within weeks. The study demonstrates that food industry and agricultural waste can be repurposed into functional, environmentally friendly packaging materials.
Tuning mechanical, thermal, morphological, barrier, and biodegradation properties of edible pectin-alginate/orange peel biocomposite films
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biocomposite food packaging films combining pectin and alginate with orange peel extract, testing their mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The biodegradable films showed tunable properties depending on formulation and degraded naturally, unlike conventional plastic packaging. Replacing petroleum-based food packaging with such materials could help reduce microplastic contamination from packaging waste.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.