Semi-automatic Hydraulic Hotpress Tool Design for the Production of Biodegradable Tableware from Kitchen Waste

Abstract

The disposal of nonbiodegradable wastes in densely populated regions of the world has become a significant challenge for waste management systems due to the use of plastic composite materials in packaging. The demand for eco-friendly bio-composite packaging materials with biodegradable properties has increased to replace the petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Meanwhile, different varieties of food waste can be utilized to obtain biodegradable tableware. This study involves the production of biodegradable tableware through the application of pressure and temperature on the fruit peel or other alternative resources as substitutes. As a result, the utilization of a hot-pressing apparatus is imperative. An assessment was made on the effectiveness of a semi-automatic hydraulic hot-pressing machine in creating biodegradable cutlery from alternative resources. This hot-pressing machine was created through a literature review, working drawings, manufacturing design, and functional testing. Through the utilization of a hydraulic mechanism, the machine can apply a pressing force of up to 5 tons and generating temperatures of up to 120∘C. The contact time can be adjusted up to 60 mins with a heater cross-sectional area of 200 cm2. In addition, this hot-pressing machine can produce tableware in accordance with exact specifications.
 Keywords: biodegradable tableware, hot-pressing machine, organic waste