Car parts printed from waste: lemon zest and almond shells

Researchers presented the results of the BARBARA project to create industrial materials from

agricultural waste financedEuropean Commission. Engineers have used lemon zest, corn starch, almond shells and pomegranate peel as additives for biopolymers that can replace plastics.

Engineers have developed eight materialscontaining pomegranate and lemon pigments, pomegranate biomordants, lemon flavors and almond shells, which can be used in place of existing plastics. New materials are suitable for 3D printing. 

As a demonstration of the possible applicationtechnology, the project participants printed from biopolymers created from agricultural waste, a prototype door lining and dashboard for a car, as well as a form for connecting trusses in the construction sector.

The study showed that the materials havebetter mechanical, thermal and even aesthetic properties compared to traditional plastics. It is curious that with their help you can add color or aroma to the traditional properties of the material.

The researchers note that the new approach will allowsolve two problems at once: on the one hand, reuse agricultural waste, and on the other, reduce the amount of plastic waste.

The most interesting thing, from our point of view, is thatthat there are no leftovers, only resources. Automotive and construction parts have been successfully validated, demonstrating that a circular economy is possible and helping to reduce environmental impact.

Berta Gonzalvo, Research Director, Aitiip, BARBARA project coordinator

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On the cover: a Fiat 500 dashboard made from lemon peel, almond shell and pomegranate peel. Image: BARBARA Project