Bio-Based Composites From Orange Peels for Sustainable Spacecraft Construction

Date:24 June 2024

Country: France

Application

• Development of sustainable, bio-based materials for spacecraft construction.
• Creation of eco-friendly composites with high thermal resistance and toughness for space applications.

Description

Researchers from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Côte D’Azur University are developing 100% bio-sourced composites for sustainable spacecraft construction. Using natural waste materials like orange peels, they create bio-based epoxy resins with properties suitable for space applications. The approach offers eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based materials, which are harmful to health and the environment. The team plans to scale up production for commercial use in the space industry.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves creating bio-based epoxy resins from natural waste materials, such as orange peels. These materials are then processed into composites by arranging molecular building blocks in various combinations to achieve desired properties like thermal resistance and toughness. The team also focuses on making the resins recyclable by using non-toxic methods to break them down and reuse them for new composites. This sustainable approach replaces petroleum-based materials traditionally used in space applications.