Optimizing solid waste recycling in composite material development

Abstract

This invention presents a novel method for repurposing citrus peel waste into high-performance, eco-friendly composite materials suitable for diverse industrial applications, with a primary focus on sustainability and material resilience. Leveraging the unique properties of citrus peels-rich in natural fibers and bioactive compounds—the method enhances these waste materials through careful processing and integration into biodegradable polymer matrices. This approach improves the mechanical strength, elasticity, and durability of the composite material, allowing it to serve as a viable substitute for traditional, petroleum-based plastics in various uses, such as packaging, construction, and automotive components.

Description

[0001] Optimizing Solid Waste Recycling in Composite Material Development

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The field of the invention pertains to sustainable waste management and material science, specifically focusing on the recycling of citrus peel waste for the production of eco-friendly composite materials. This invention integrates innovative processing techniques to transform organic waste into high-performance, biodegradable composites. It operates at the intersection of environmental engineering, materials science, and industrial sustainability, with the goal of addressing solid waste challenges, promoting resource recovery, and supporting sustainable product development in various industries.

[0004] Prior Art:

[0005] In the field of sustainable material recycling and eco-friendly composite development, several patents have introduced notable innovations. However, our patent stands out for its superior versatility, environmental focus, and advanced integration of biodegradable components, offering a more comprehensive and adaptable solution for diverse industrial applications.

[0006] Patent KR20220135617A focuses on the selection of recycled products from household waste, producing solid fuels, and manufacturing compression-molded products from mixed synthetic resins. It involves manual and mechanical sorting, crushing, and molding to create high-energy fuels and durable resin products. In contrast, our system transforms citrus peel waste into high-performance, eco-friendly composites by enhancing the natural fibers in biodegradable polymer matrices, producing resilient, biodegradable materials ideal for packaging, construction, and automotive applications, thus offering a more sustainable and versatile solution.

[0007] The use of recycled waste in concrete materials has been previously studied. For example, (Toghroli, Shariati et al. 2018) discusses the integration of recycled waste in concrete for improved permeability and sustainability in pavement applications. This study underscores the potential for waste materials to contribute to eco-friendly, durable composites, reinforcing our innovation in using citrus peel waste as an eco- friendly composite for versatile industrial applications.

[0008] Patent CN104788033B outlines a recycling method for building waste by crushing, magnetic separation to remove iron, and screening to classify materials by particle size. The process collects fines and coarse materials, which, when combined with cement and water, are used to produce high-quality cement bricks, offering an efficient way to recycle construction waste. In contrast, our system transforms citrus peel waste into high-performance, eco-friendly composite materials. By enhancing natural fibers in biodegradable polymer matrices, our approach produces durable, versatile composites suitable for applications in packaging, construction, and automotive fields, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional waste processing.

[0009] Patent CN103819239B describes a biofermentation method for citrus peel residues, converting them into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer by adding microbial agents to create a product high in trace elements like boron, zinc, and magnesium, which is suitable for agricultural use. While this method effectively processes citrus waste into fertilizer, our innovation focuses on transforming citrus peel waste into high- performance, biodegradable composite materials. By utilizing the natural fibers in citrus peels within polymer matrices, our approach yields durable, eco-friendly materials suitable for diverse applications, including packaging, construction, and automotive components, offering a sustainable and versatile alternative for multiple industries.

[0010] Patent KR101899938B1 outlines methods for producing food compositions, oils, fuels, and other compounds using genetically modified microorganisms. This process involves cultivating microorganism strains that produce essential enzymes and proteins, making it suitable for applications in food manufacturing, biofuels, and various industrial products like soaps and lubricants. Unlike this biochemical approach focused on microorganism cultivation, our innovation repurposes citrus peel waste into high-performance, biodegradable composite materials. By enhancing natural fibers within polymer matrices, we create durable, eco-friendly materials suited for industries such as packaging and construction, providing a sustainable solution that addresses both waste reduction and versatile industrial needs. Patent CN109983174B discloses a method for modifying pulp with cellulase to enhance various properties for papermaking, including drainage, tensile strength, and energy efficiency in mechanical pulping. This method leverages cellulase enzymes to improve fiber consistency and reduce refining energy without compromising fiber strength, making it suitable for optimizing pulp production. In comparison, our innovation repurposes citrus peel waste to create high-performance, eco-friendly composite materials. By integrating the natural fibers from citrus peels into biodegradable polymer matrices, our approach yields durable, sustainable materials ideal for industries such as packaging and construction, providing a versatile solution beyond the pulp and paper applications of cellulase-modified pulp.

[0011] Patent CN103833467B presents a method for producing a composite fertilizer from citrus peel residue. It reduces acidity through fermentation, breaks down tough components like pectin, and adds nutrients like urea and potassium sulfate to create a balanced fertilizer rich in organic content and essential trace elements. Unlike this focus on agricultural applications, our innovation transforms citrus peel waste into high-performance, biodegradable composites for diverse industrial uses. By leveraging natural citrus fibers within polymer matrices, our method produces durable, eco-friendly materials suited for packaging, construction, and automotive sectors, offering a versatile solution beyond fertilizer applications.

[0012] The current citrus peel recycling system stands out for its versatility and advancements in sustainable material production, transforming citrus waste into high- performance, eco-friendly composites. Unlike existing methods focused solely on composting or fertilizer production, our system leverages the natural properties of citrus fibers to create durable, biodegradable materials suitable for diverse applications, including packaging, construction, and automotive components. This innovation not only addresses waste reduction but also aligns with circular economy principles, providing a scalable, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based materials and offering broader industrial and environmental benefits. Description

[0013] Given the increasing accumulation of organic waste and the environmental impact associated with traditional disposal methods, modern, sustainable solutions for resource recovery are essential. This invention focuses on transforming citrus peel waste into valuable composite materials, offering an innovative approach to waste management and material development. Through a series of optimized processing methods, citrus peels are converted into high-performance, biodegradable composites, which can serve various industrial applications. This sustainable approach supports waste reduction by repurposing organic waste while providing an alternative to conventional, non-biodegradable materials.

[0014] The invention is particularly timely in light of the global movement towards circular economy practices, aiming to reduce waste and support sustainable material sourcing. Traditional waste management systems often overlook the potential of organic residues like citrus peels, which are abundant and rich in biopolymers and other useful compounds. This method leverages these natural properties, creating composites with enhanced durability, flexibility, and environmental compatibility. The resulting materials not only reduce landfill waste but also minimize reliance on synthetic resources, thus promoting a more sustainable lifecycle for consumer and industrial products.

[0015] Designed for compatibility with existing material processing systems, this invention provides a scalable solution adaptable to various industries, from packaging to construction. By addressing the environmental impacts of organic waste, the invention contributes to a greener, more resource-efficient approach to waste management, paving the way for sustainable development in material science. This forward-thinking solution not only supports environmental sustainability but also opens new avenues for innovation in composite material production.

[0016] The Citrus Peel Composite Recycling System offers an innovative approach to converting agricultural waste into high-performance, eco-friendly composite materials for various industrial applications. By leveraging the unique properties of citrus peel — rich in natural fibers and bioactive compounds — this system processes waste citrus peels through advanced methods, resulting in biodegradable composites that replace conventional, petroleum-based materials. Through a sequence of optimized treatment steps, including deacidification, fiber refinement, and integration into polymer matrices, the system enhances the material’s durability, flexibility, and resilience.

[0017] This invention establishes a unique and sustainable method for producing high- performance, biodegradable composite materials using citrus peel waste, also details the innovative process of transforming citrus peels into eco-friendly composites through microbial fermentation and enzymatic treatments, which reduce acidity and improve fiber adhesion within polymer matrices. This results in durable, flexible, and resilient materials suited for a range of industrial applications, including packaging, construction, and automotive components.

[0018] The method includes specific pre-treatment steps for citrus peels, optimizing fiber adhesion and compatibility with the polymer matrix, alongside additives that adjust the composite's moisture resistance, flexibility, and strength. This innovation not only contributes to effective waste reduction but also introduces a scalable and cost- effective production method aligned with circular economy principles. By converting agricultural waste into valuable composite materials, this invention provides a sustainable solution for waste management while addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials in modern industry.

[0019] In this invention the integration of the biodegradable polymer matrix integration and enhanced fiber-matrix compatibility describe how pre-treatments and enzymatic processes improve the material’s mechanical strength, elasticity, and moisture resistance, making it a viable alternative to petroleum-based products. Furthermore, in the invention such as industrial application versatility and adaptability to existing manufacturing processes, focus on the system’s scalability and compatibility with current industrial infrastructure, ensuring that this technology can be seamlessly integrated across different manufacturing settings. Altogether, the invention comprises a robust and adaptable recycling system that not only reduces waste and reliance on non-renewable resources but also supports circular economy principles, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable materials in modern industry. This method incorporates several tailored processes to ensure quality, such as microbial fermentation to reduce acidity and enzymatic treatments to improve fiber adhesion within biodegradable polymers. The resulting composite material demonstrates high mechanical strength and elasticity, making it ideal for sectors such as packaging, construction, and automotive manufacturing. The system achieves a significant environmental impact by reducing landfill waste and lowering dependence on synthetic, non-biodegradable materials, supporting circular economy principles through waste-to-resource innovation.

[0020] Also, is designed for compatibility with existing industrial production lines, the Citrus Peel Composite Recycling System is highly adaptable and scalable, making it suitable for a variety of industrial contexts, from local production facilities to large-scale manufacturing. This system provides an effective, sustainable solution to waste management challenges while meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials, positioning it as a forward-thinking approach for industries seeking to balance sustainability with high-performance material needs.

[0021] Overview of Drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates the valorization process of citrus peel waste through a mind map that outlines essential components, such as biodegradable polymers, traditional applications, innovative processing methods, and potential optimizations. This diagram emphasizes key pathways for transforming citrus waste into eco-friendly materials, highlighting both established uses and novel approaches to enhance sustainability and material performance.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates the drying and grinding process of orange peels for composite material development. Panel (a) displays dried orange peel pieces post-drying. Panel

[0024] (b) shows the placement of these dried peels in a grinder for processing, and panel

[0025] (c) presents the resulting ground peel powder, which serves as a key ingredient for further development in creating eco-friendly composite materials.

[0026] Figure 3 shows that Sample A (51 % citrus peel) has the highest crystallinity, leading to increased rigidity but lower tensile strength and flexibility due to a brittle structure. In contrast, Sample B (21% citrus peel) retains better tensile strength and elasticity, closer to the control, as the polymer matrix remains more cohesive. This suggests that lower citrus peel content helps maintain mechanical integrity.

[0027] References:

[0028] 1.- Toghroli, A., M. Shariati, F. Sajedi, Z. Ibrahim, S. Koting, E. T. Mohamad and M. Khorami (2018). "A review on pavement porous concrete using recycled waste materials." Smart Struct. Syst 22(4): 433-440.

Claims

Claims1 A method for producing high-performance, eco-friendly composite materials using citrus peel waste, wherein citrus peels undergo microbial fermentation to reduce acidity, followed by enzymatic treatments that enhance fiber adhesion and compatibility within biodegradable polymer matrices, resulting in durable, flexible, and resilient composites suitable for diverse industrial applications.2.- Method according to claim 1 , characterized by incorporating natural citrus peel fibers into a biodegradable polymer matrix, wherein the unique fiber composition of citrus peels is enhanced through specific pre-treatment steps.3.- A method according to claim 1 , wherein citrus peel fibers are treated with specific enzymes to improve adhesion and compatibility within biodegradable polymer matrices.4.- A method according to claim 1 , comprising multi-stage processing of citrus peel waste, including deacidification via microbial fermentation, fiber refinement through enzymatic degradation of pectin and cellulose, and polymer matrix integration, to produce a composite material with enhanced durability, tensile strength, and environmental resilience.5.- A scalable and environmentally sustainable method according to claim 1 , characterized for converting agricultural waste, specifically citrus peels, into biodegradable composite materials.6.- A method according to claim 1 , characterized by creating composite materials enriched with the natural bioactive compounds present in citrus peel, enhancing the material’s mechanical properties and environmental sustainability.7.- A biodegradable composite material obtained according to claim 1 , characterized by produced from citrus peel waste that is adaptable for use in packaging, construction, and automotive components.

Images