Session: IMECE Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 121015

121015 - Greening the Future: Rice Starch and Corn-Based Adhesives in Biodegradable Composite Production" 

In a world where technology advances within the trucking industry contrast sharply with the rising pollution concerns plaguing our planet, a dire need has emerged for innovative solutions to combat the fatal effects of plastics. One such solution has emerged in the form of biodegradable composites, and among the myriad options available, a promising contender stands out—composites composed of rice starch with corn or tea starch as a binding agent.

 

Plastic pollution has reached staggering proportions, with astonishing statistics revealing that Americans alone consume a mind-boggling 350 million plastic straws every single day. These seemingly innocuous straws, however, contribute significantly to the alarming abundance of trash found during ocean clean-up efforts. Thus, the urgency to transition to eco-friendly alternatives becomes paramount.

The primary objective of this research endeavor is to harness the exceptional potential of rice starch as a core component in the creation of environmentally friendly composites, while utilizing corn-based adhesives as the binding agent. The burgeoning field of biodegradable plastics stands as one of the most revolutionary areas of development within the packaging industry, presenting a ripe opportunity for innovative initiatives to not only thrive but also lead the market.

 

A pivotal facet of this study revolves around the meticulous analysis of flexural strength. Through a systematic exploration of varying mass proportions of rice and corn starch, our research aims to pinpoint the precise ratios that yield optimal results for the manufacturing process. The significance of this endeavor lies not only in its potential to replace conventional materials but also in its capacity to surpass them.

 

Indeed, the composites cultivated through this method exhibit a trifecta of benefits: significantly lower moisture absorption rates, enhanced interface characteristics, and notably elevated flexural strength. These attributes distinguish these composites as exceptional contenders for a wide array of applications, extending well beyond the confines of the laboratory.

 

The impact of this research reverberates across numerous sectors. From biomedical applications to the creation of advanced textile fibers, from components destined for industrial equipment to the development of cutting-edge ceiling panels, and particularly within the realm of packaging materials, the composites resulting from this work hold vast potential to revolutionize diverse industries.

 

In an era where the world confronts pressing issues of plastic pollution and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, this research emerges as a beacon of hope. It not only showcases the viability of creating eco-conscious composites but also underscores the tangible advantages that such materials confer. At a time when responsible choices are paramount for our planet's well-being, the pursuit of biodegradable solutions, as exemplified by this research, becomes an ethical and economic imperative. The prospect of a cleaner, more sustainable future beckons, and it is initiatives such as this that illuminate the path forward, heralding a new era of innovation and environmental responsibility.

Presenting Author: Naveen Durga Prasad Prasad Jawaharlal Nehru technological University

Presenting Author Biography: Graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru technological University kakinada as mechanical engineer.
Working Research and development department of Coromandel fertilizer company.

Authors:

Naveen Durga Prasad Prasad Jawaharlal Nehru technological University