Innovative, ecofriendly rigid foam production from pineapple field leftovers

A team of researchers from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore has successfully harnessed pineapple waste materials from agriculture to create biodegradable rigid composite foams. The foam's base was formulated using starch extracted from pineapple stems, known for their high amylose content, while the filling material was derived from non-fibrous cellulosic components found in pineapple leaves.

Diverging from conventional techniques which involve preparing a batter, this study introduced a unique methodology. It began by creating a starch gel mixed with glycerol, achieved through the use of a common household microwave oven. The resulting mixture was then blended with the filling material using a two-roll mill. Subsequently, the amalgam was transformed into foam through compression molding at a temperature of 160°C.

The produced foams exhibited densities ranging from 0.43 to 0.51 g/cm³ and displayed a notably amorphous structure. Impressively, the foams showcased equilibrium moisture levels of approximately 8%–10%, demonstrating their capacity to absorb 150%–200% of their weight without deteriorating. The foams' flexural strengths varied between 1.5 and 4.5 MPa, with fluctuations based on the filler and glycerol contents.

Furthermore, biodegradability assessments utilizing a soil burial method demonstrated that the foam disintegrated completely into particles measuring 1 mm or smaller within a mere 15 days. Additionally, the researchers fabricated an environmentally friendly, single-use foam tray to illustrate potential practical applications.

This innovative approach, encompassing gel formation followed by filler integration, distinguishes itself from prior methodologies. The study's outcomes underscore the substantial potential of pineapple waste materials in crafting sustainable biodegradable foams with desirable attributes. Ultimately, these findings contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable materials.

The paper is published in the journal Polymers.