<p>The growing environmental burden associated with petroleum-based plastics has intensified the search for sustainable and bio-derived alternatives for composite manufacturing. In this study, a novel bio-resin was developed from renewable agricultural wastes, namely Acacia gum and orange peel powder, targeting lightweight and non-load-bearing applications. The lab-fabricated bio-resin matrix was formulated using a starch–water system plasticized with glycerol and stabilized with vinegar, into which Acacia gum and orange peel powders were incorporated at controlled ratios to achieve a homogeneous resin. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic biopolymer functional groups and revealed peak shifts associated with intermolecular interactions between the constituents. Density measurements showed that orange peel powder exhibited a low density of 0.67&#xa0;g/cm³, while Acacia gum showed a higher value of 1.38&#xa0;g/cm³, resulting in a bio-resin with an intermediate density of 1.29&#xa0;g/cm³ suitable for lightweight applications. The lab-fabricated bio-resin matrix’s moisture absorption tests indicated hydrophilic behavior due to abundant hydroxyl groups, suggesting the need for further formulation refinement to improve water resistance. Thermal analysis demonstrated stability up to approximately 150&#xa0;°C prior to major degradation, supporting applicability in low-temperature composite processing. The incorporation of orange peel waste also contributed to improved processability and resource valorization within a circular economy framework. Overall, the results highlight the potential of Acacia gum–orange peel–based bio-resins as sustainable matrix materials for biodegradable packaging, coatings, acoustic insulation, and other non-load-bearing components, while providing a platform for future optimization toward enhanced mechanical performance and industrial scalability.</p>

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Sustainable bioresin from fruit waste and natural gum for circular economy in non-load-bearing application

  • Alhayat G. Temesgen,
  • Jörg Kaufmann,
  • Holger Cebulla

摘要

The growing environmental burden associated with petroleum-based plastics has intensified the search for sustainable and bio-derived alternatives for composite manufacturing. In this study, a novel bio-resin was developed from renewable agricultural wastes, namely Acacia gum and orange peel powder, targeting lightweight and non-load-bearing applications. The lab-fabricated bio-resin matrix was formulated using a starch–water system plasticized with glycerol and stabilized with vinegar, into which Acacia gum and orange peel powders were incorporated at controlled ratios to achieve a homogeneous resin. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic biopolymer functional groups and revealed peak shifts associated with intermolecular interactions between the constituents. Density measurements showed that orange peel powder exhibited a low density of 0.67 g/cm³, while Acacia gum showed a higher value of 1.38 g/cm³, resulting in a bio-resin with an intermediate density of 1.29 g/cm³ suitable for lightweight applications. The lab-fabricated bio-resin matrix’s moisture absorption tests indicated hydrophilic behavior due to abundant hydroxyl groups, suggesting the need for further formulation refinement to improve water resistance. Thermal analysis demonstrated stability up to approximately 150 °C prior to major degradation, supporting applicability in low-temperature composite processing. The incorporation of orange peel waste also contributed to improved processability and resource valorization within a circular economy framework. Overall, the results highlight the potential of Acacia gum–orange peel–based bio-resins as sustainable matrix materials for biodegradable packaging, coatings, acoustic insulation, and other non-load-bearing components, while providing a platform for future optimization toward enhanced mechanical performance and industrial scalability.