Societal program: Level 800 presentation

Development of Cellulose and its Derivatives from Agri-Waste Residues for Bioplastic Preparation: A Path Towards Sustainability

Presented by

Srimukhi Mandava: 20EE23A18001

Sangeetha Povari: 20EE23A18004

Sai Krishna. G: 10CC23A18042

Yogeshwari. S: 20EE23A18003

CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, 500007, India

BACKGROUND

Agricultural Waste Residues:

- Byproducts of farming activities (e.g., crop stalks, husks, leaves).

- Often underutilized or disposed of, causing environmental pollution and resource wastage.

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Sustainable Solution:

- Cellulose extraction from agricultural residues offers a sustainable waste management and resource utilization approach.

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What is Cellulose?

- A vital biopolymer found in plant cell walls.

- Can be efficiently extracted from agricultural waste like rice husks, wheat straw, corn stover, and sugarcane bagasse.

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Extraction Process:

- Methods include physical, chemical, or biological processes.

- The process isolates cellulose fibers and removes lignin and hemicellulose.

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Applications:

- Used in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and BIOPLASTICS.

PROBLEM STATEMENT WITH SOLUTION

Plastic Usage Overview:

99% of plastics are petroleum-based, with 50% used in single-use packaging.

Bioplastics: A Renewable Alternative:

Plastics from renewable resources, known since the 19th century, are regaining focus as sustainable alternatives termed Bioplastics.

Bioplastics currently account for 1% of annual plastic production, expected to reach 40% by 2030.

Derived from natural sources, bioplastics can be bio-based, biodegradable, or both.

Key Challenges in Bioplastic Preparation:

Bioplastics face brittleness and hydrophilicity, limiting their performance in various applications.

Nanofiller Reinforcement:

Using nanofillers (<100 nm), especially nanocellulose, helps strengthen bioplastics and improve water resistance.

OBJECTIVES AND PROPOSED METHOLOGY

• Isolation of reinforcement material e.g.; cellulosic material and derivatives from Agri biomass.
• Process for isolation of matrix (starch) from non-edible waste.
• Development of compounding process for thermoplastic preparation.
• Characterization of bioplastics and subsequent biodegradability studies.

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THE SOCIETAL BENEFITS

Societal Benefits:

Environmental Sustainability: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon footprint, and promotion of biodegradable products.

Waste Management: Effective use of agricultural waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution.

Economic Impact: Potential for job creation in rural areas, promoting a circular economy.

Health and Hygiene: Safer, biodegradable materials.

Applications at Large:

• Contribution to reducing plastic pollution.
• Increased accessibility to low-cost, eco-friendly materials.
• Support for sustainable agriculture and rural development.