Integration of Agro-waste in Fibrous form in DIY Composites for Prospective Design Applications

Abstract

Different forms of waste from food production chain have been integrated into self-produced (DIY) matrices, based on starch or flour systems, to form biocomposites suitable for the prototyping of small design objects. The idea is to investigate the production of items with expressive and functional value, so that the waste materials, no longer suitable for nutrition purposes, can be “upcycled” into something that can have a “bond” with the user, therefore being durable. In particular, some examples are reported, which are related to waste with different “structural” nature, such as carrot peel, nutshells and orange skins. In the absence of significant literature on this particular use of these waste materials in DIY matrices, this is to be intended as a preliminary study. The possible application of the materials, which will need in the future full mechanical and thermal characterization, is in the meantime discussed and some design objects are proposed. Moreover, ways to prevent the formation of mould and therefore extending the use life on the material are also suggested, in the understanding that the use of waste would require coming to an application in a material intended not for “single use” purpose.