Summary

The proposal proposes to present a novel way for utilizing agricultural waste (particularly from the Omani palm tree) to make bioplastic materials that are controlled and reasonably priced. The adjustable physical and chemical features of this novel material will enhance its application while reducing our reliance on non-biodegradable plastics. Microplastic pollution can be reduced if inorganic polymer products are reduced in the environment and food chain, as well as if the use of biodegradable ones increases. Overall, it will address a variety of environmental issues while also meeting current criteria. This will help to ensure the sustainable use of agricultural waste and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 3, 12, 13, 14, and 15. A mathematical model will be created to better understand the system’s performance by calculating relevant reliability indicators, testing the model through simulation, and determining its economic feasibility. This initiative is expected to provide a long-term solution for plastic waste in the Sultanate of Oman. This is an innovative initiative with the potential for patents and commercialization, which will help to provide economic benefits and contribute to the achievement of the Oman Vision 2040 goals while also promoting sustainable development.

Objectives

1) Innovate and optimize an efficient method to produce biodegradable and environment-friendly bioplastics from forest products’ sawdust and other lignocellulosic waste materials.

2) To study the feasibility of using sawdust and other lignocellulosic waste materials as potential raw materials for developing high-performance bioplastics.

3) To minimize the usage of toxic chemicals and chemical additives such as plasticizing agents in the lignocellulose-based bioplastics.

4) To develop affordable bioplastics with high tensile strength, water stability, low permeability, thermal stability, easy recyclability, and high degradability.

5) To establish a process that converts the burden of waste materials into value-added products.

6) To develop effective and tunable compositions of the composites for enhancing switchable physicochemical properties in the newly developed materials.

Funding Agency:

MOHERI