Durian Skin Biocomposite for Sustainable Packaging and 3D Printing

Date:January 28, 2020

Country: Malaysia

Application

• Biodegradable food packaging: Can be molded into eco-friendly containers for take-out and other food packaging needs.
• 3D printing filament: Used as an alternative material for 3D printing, offering a sustainable option.

Description

Researchers at the International Islamic University Malaysia have developed a biodegradable biocomposite made from durian skin fibers mixed with epoxidized palm oil. This material can be molded into food packaging containers and used as 3-D printing filament. The biocomposite degrades significantly faster than traditional plastics, making it an eco-friendly alternative. Future research aims to reduce costs and expand its use in various industries.

 

 

Pathway Description:

The process starts by extracting fibers from durian skin, which are then mixed with epoxidized palm oil. This mixture undergoes a chemical reaction to form a biodegradable polymer. The polymer is molded into food packaging containers and processed into 3D printing filament. After production, the biocomposite is tested for biodegradability, showing significant degradation (83%) after three months when buried in soil.