Diseño y construcción de un molde para la elaboración de platos desechables a partir de material biodegradable de bagazo de caña de azúcar

Abstract

The increase in the use of single-use products and items, primarily made from petroleum derivatives such as plastic, contributes to environmental pollution due to inefficient recycling and disposal practices. This necessitates the exploration and development of new materials with biodegradable properties. The objective of this work is to encourage and promote research and the use of biodegradable materials. To achieve this, a mold was designed and constructed for the production of plates using biodegradable material derived from sugarcane bagasse. A hypothetical-deductive research approach was employed, considering design parameters for mold construction and specific standards for its use in food-contact processes. Thermal-structural analyses of the mold were conducted using specialized software, simulating situations with predetermined conditions. Regarding the biodegradable material, various experimental tests were conducted based on quantities previously explored in earlier research. Modifications were made to the recommended amounts, and their behavior was observed until optimal performance was achieved. Tests were conducted to verify the mechanical properties of the obtained product. Based on the results of mechanical tests (bending and impact tests) performed on the biodegradable material, it was determined that the optimal composition includes 20 grams of sugarcane bagasse, 35 grams of potato starch, and 33 milliliters of water, under pressing conditions of 110 degrees Celsius and 8 bars.