Upcycling Orange Peels for Biofilms
This research aims to further investigate the mechanical properties of bio-films made of alginate and orange peels, and methods for producing these biofilms
based on the behaviour of the material.
Here were some of the final products:
Experiments:
By varying the concentration of sodium alginate and glycerine, we obtained four different variations of the material, with slightly varying properties.
Testing various recipes including ground dried orange peel, coffee and cat fur (no cats were harmed).
Preparation:
Preparing the ingredients for our decided recipe.
Creating the liquid mixture.
Casting: We poured 600ml of the liquid mixture into sheet trays and baked them in the oven for 7-8 hours.
Pouring: We poured the liquid mixture over a balloon 6-7 times and let it air dry. Due to gravity, the mixture will keep flowing to the bottom of the balloon, making the top thin and have uneven surfaces.
Molding: We spread the liquid mixture on an apple tray 4-5 times and dried it under a hot fan. We learnt that the mixture turns thicker when it is being heated. The liquid mixture takes on the shape of the mold very well after it is dried.
Methods of Operation:
Layering: We cut and layered strips of the biofilm using the liquid mixture as a glue on an apple tray and let it air dry. We discovered that the biofilm becomes stronger when being layered multiple times.
Attaching separate pieces together: We joined pieces of the biofilm with the liquid mixture as glue. We learnt that with this operation, we could extend or heal the biofilm very easily with no other materials needed.
Cutting: We cut the biofilms to a specific pattern to pull it up. This operation makes this sheet of biofilm weaker as there are more breaking points compared to a fresh sheet of biofilm.
This Team Project was completed in Dec 2022 as part of SUTD's Digital Biomimetics Lab Module.
