Synthesis and characterization of pectin biopolymer from orange peel wastes and its effect

What is it about?

This study revealed a synthesis and characterization of pectin biopolymer from orange peel wastes and its effect on pineapple fiber-reinforced vinyl ester composite. The primary objective of this research study is to develop a biocomposite material using biomass-derived biopolymers. Similarly, another objective is whether the pectin biopolymer from orange peels could be a potential reinforcement for thermoset polymeric composites, which contain matrix-like vinyl ester. The thermochemical method is deployed to extract the pectin from orange peels and silane treated subsequently for better adhesion. The composite however reinforced by the pineapple fiber as primary reinforcement via a hand layup process and cured completely. Additionally, the composites were put through a 6-h post-curing process in a hot air oven at 120 °C. Further, the composites were tested via ASTM guidelines and the results were rigorously analyzed. According to investigation composite A2, which contains 2 vol. % silane-treated pectin biopolymer exhibited improved mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength of 160.5 MPa, flexural strength of 209 MPa, compression strength of 181.0 MPa, izod impact strength of 5 J, and hardness of 81 Shore-D were observed. Conversely, composite A3, which contains 4 vol. % silane-treated pectin biopolymer, demonstrated the highest thermal conductivity of 0.44 W/mK and the lowest propagation speed of 8.12 mm/min. Similarly, composite A3’s antimicrobial effectiveness measured inhibition zones with 14.2 mm (S. aureus), 14.21 mm (P. aeruginosa), 14.9 mm (K. pneumoniae), and 14.25 mm (E. coli). In summary, this investigation emphasizes the potential of silane-treated pineapple fiber and pectin biopolymer to improve the performance of vinyl ester resin composites. Composite A2 demonstrates the most comprehensive mechanical and antimicrobial characteristics, whereas composite A3 is exceptional in terms of thermal conductivity and flammability resistance. This capable biocomposite could be used as a working material in the latest engineering areas such as automotive, drones, construction, and defense.

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Photo by Ian Talmacs on Unsplash

Photo by Ian Talmacs on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The primary objective of this research study is to develop a biocomposite material using biomass-derived biopolymers. Similarly, another objective is whether the pectin biopolymer from orange peels could be a potential reinforcement for thermoset polymeric composites, which contain matrix-like vinyl ester. The thermochemical method is deployed to extract the pectin from orange peels and silane treated subsequently for better adhesion.

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