Prototype of a Biodegradable Plate Made from Sugarcane Bagasse: Evaluation of Formation and Mechanical Properties

Authors

  • Jorge López Velástegui Grupo de Investigación e Innovación en Ingeniería Mecánica (GI3M), Carrera de Mecánica, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0306-7740
  • Henry Vaca Ortega Grupo de Investigación e Innovación en Ingeniería Mecánica (GI3M), Carrera de Mecánica, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4321-5864
  • César Arroba Arroba Grupo de Investigación e Innovación en Ingeniería Mecánica (GI3M), Carrera de Mecánica, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5656-7549
  • Brayan Guaman Cando Carrera de Mecánica, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5416-6378

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29019/enfoqueute.1142

Keywords:

biodegradable materials, plastic pollution, thermoforming process, agricultural waste, sugarcane, bagasse

Abstract

This article presents the development and evaluation of a biodegradable plate prototype made from sugarcane bagasse. The research proposes sugarcane bagasse as a sustainable alternative for the manufacturing of biodegradable products and analyzes the environmental issues associated with the use of disposable plastics. Experiments were conducted to determine |the ideal proportions of potato starch, water, and sugarcane bagasse, as well as the temperature and pressure conditions required to create a plate with favorable mechanical properties.

When pressed at a temperature of 110 °C and a pressure of 8 bars, a mixture of 20 grams of sugarcane bagasse, 35 grams of potato starch, and 33 milliliters of water produced plates with the best structural integrity and without significant defects. Regarding failure energy, displacement, and maximum bending stress, the mechanical tests carried out based on ASTM D5628 and ASTM D7264 standards demonstrated that the specimens manufactured under these conditions had adequate strength.

The use of sugarcane bagasse as a raw material for manufacturing biodegradable products is feasible, offering a practical solution to reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastics. The results provide a solid foundation for research and improvements in the manufacturing process of biodegradable products from agricultural waste.

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Published

2025-07-01

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Miscellaneous

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Copyright (c) 2025 Jorge López Velástegui, Henry Vaca Ortega, César Arroba Arroba, Brayan Guaman Cando

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