Development and Characterization of Biodegradable, Binderless Fiberboards from Eggplant Straw Fibers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Engineering

Background:

• Traditional wood-based panels utilize formaldehyde-containing adhesives.
• Growing demand for sustainable materials and health concerns drive interest in alternatives.
• Annual crop residues offer a potential source for binder-free biodegradable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop adhesive-free biodegradable bio-boards using eggplant straw fibers.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of these novel bio-boards.
• To investigate the influence of processing pressure on bio-board characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Eggplant straw fibers were mechanically refined.
• Bio-boards were formed under varying pressures (2.0–8.0 MPa).
• Mechanical properties (bending, tensile strength), dimensional stability (water absorption), and surface properties (contact angle) were assessed.
• Morphological (SEM) and structural (XRD) analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Bending rupture stress increased from 27.69 MPa to 45.29 MPa with rising pressure.
• Tensile rupture stress ranged from 12.45 MPa to 24.62 MPa.
• Water absorption decreased from 91.45% to 88.29%, and contact angle increased from 89.67° to 90.45° with higher pressures.
• Water absorption was linked to porosity and crystallinity.

Conclusions:

• Eggplant straw is a viable raw material for producing adhesive-free biodegradable bio-boards.
• Mechanical pressing significantly enhances the properties of eggplant straw bio-boards.
• This research offers a sustainable alternative to conventional wood-based panels.