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Harnessing the Potential: Creating Biomaterials

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has long been recognized as a noxious weed, choking water bodies and disrupting ecosystems. We started exploring the untapped potential of this invasive species, seeking to transform it into valuable biomaterials. With the help of our mentors, we embarked on a mission to harness the inherent properties of Water Hyacinth and create sustainable alternatives. We recognized the importance of three key properties in biomaterials: flexibility, strength, and porosity. To tap into Water Hyacinth’s potential, we delved into its inherent properties, such as its high cellulose content, exceptional absorption capacity, and the presence of lignin and hemi cellulose. The extraction of cellulose emerged as an early idea, but the journey did not end there.

Exploring further, we discovered the potential of bio-composites as a solution. By carefully adjusting the flexibility, strength, and porosity of the biomaterials, we were able to create a range of innovative products. Among these, bio-leather emerged as a promising choice, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of Water Hyacinth. However, the exploration did not stop there. Driven by a desire to unlock the full potential of this invasive plant, we successfully developed alternative plywood, paper, cat litter, and packaging materials.

By utilizing a plant that was once considered a nuisance, this innovative approach not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by invasive species but also paves the way for a more sustainable future. The journey of creating biomaterials from Water Hyacinth showcases the importance of reimagining and repurposing natural resources, ultimately leading us towards a greener and more sustainable world.

 
 
 
 
3 key properties of water hyacinth was adjusted to create biomaterials: Flexibility, Strength, and Porosity

Steps to Process Water Hyacinth

1

Harvest the water hyacinth

Collecting and harvesting water hyacinth from lakes and other water bodies is a crucial step in the economic utilization of this problematic aquatic plant. The collection process can be carried out in several ways, including manual raking by individuals standing on the sides of the water body or on a boat, as well as using machinery like a backhoe. By mobilizing the local workforce, various local bodies can actively participate in the harvesting process, offering employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy. This sustainable approach not only helps in managing the spread of water hyacinth but also transforms it into a valuable resource with diverse applications.

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2

Cut & Dry the stems

Cleaning and preparing the plant for further processing is the next step. The harvested plants are carefully cleaned by removing the leaves and roots, ensuring that only the long stalks remain. These stalks are then set out to dry in the sun.  It typically takes around 3-4 days of sun exposure for the water hyacinth to fully dry. Alternatively, dehydration machines can be used to expedite the drying process. As the water content evaporates, the weight of the water hyacinth significantly reduces. This drying process not only facilitates storage and transportation but also transforms the appearance of the plant, changing it from its original green hue to a beautiful, natural brown color.

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3

Shred the dried stalks

The dried stalks can be cut into smaller pieces using scissors or chopped using a specialized plastic shredder. These chopped or shredded water hyacinth fibers are then ready to be used in various biomaterial recipes. For applications such as alternate leather, the chopped or shredded fibers can be further broken down into smaller pieces by adding water and blending them in a kitchen mixer. Alternatively, for materials like plywood, the dried stalks can be powdered using a powerful kitchen mixer with a minimum wattage of 2000. In cases where a fine powder is required for 3D printing, the powdered water hyacinth can be sieved to achieve the desired particle size.

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4

Mix with the binder & make the material

The shredded water hyacinth is to be mixed with the appropriate binder for the desired biomaterial. For alternative leather, it is mixed with the binder and cast onto a wooden sheet, allowed to dry. To create alternative plywood, the binder is mixed with the shredded water hyacinth and is pressed in a hydraulic press at high temperature and pressure to form the sheets. For paper production, the finely shredded water hyacinth and binder are mixed in water, and is poured onto a mold and deckle. For packaging material, hot casting is performed by mixing the binder with the water hyacinth and pouring the mixture into molds. For 3D printing applications, the binder and powdered water hyacinth are mixed and ejected through a nozzle in the desired shape using a 3D printer.

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Biomaterials- Uses & Methods

Alt Leather

Alternate Leather-Natural colour, long fiber

  • Thickness range: 2mm-8mm
  • Able to laser cut
  • Can make bags

Cold casting process

4

Alternate Leather- Black colour, long fiber

  • Thickness range: 2mm-8mm
  • Able to laser cut
  • Can make bags

Cold casting process

6

Alternate Plywood- Light brown colour, long fiber

  • Thickness range: 2mm-8mm
  • Able to laser cut
  • Can make bags

Thermocomposite

7

Cat Litter Pellets

  • Thickness range: 4mm-8mm
  • Lighter Brown colour

Thermocomposite

8

Packaging Material

Hot Casting Process

1

Alternate EVA Foam

Cold casting process

12

HARD MATERIAL, POWDER

  • Resin as binder

Hot Casting

11

HARD MATERIAL, POWDER

  • Resin as binder

Hot Casting

10

HARD MATERIAL, POWDER

  • Resin as binder

Hot Casting

9

ALTERNATE PAPER

  • Natural musilage

Mould and Deckle

Machine/Mould/Tools

Process

16

Hand Blender

21

Precious Plastic Shredder

20

Wooden Mould-1 part

14

Wooden Mould-2 part

18

Heat press machine

17

Hydraulic press machine

23

CNC MIlling machine

22

Laser machine

15

3D Printer

24

Mould and Deckle

19

Hydraulic press machine

Further Research: Unlocking the Potential of Water Hyacinth Biomaterials

As we delve deeper into this field, further research becomes paramount to explore and harness the full capabilities of this aquatic plant. One area of investigation focuses on utilizing the high absorption capacity of water hyacinth to develop tiles that can effectively purify and clean polluted rivers, offering a sustainable solution to water contamination.

Moreover, the high cellulose content present in water hyacinth presents an opportunity to extract fibers that can be used in various applications. Further research aims to develop sustainable techniques for deriving cellulose from water hyacinth, unlocking its potential as a renewable resource for the production of textiles, papers, and other cellulose-based products.

The pursuit of sustainable practices is a key aspect of ongoing research in the field of water hyacinth biomaterials. We are actively exploring environmentally friendly methods for harvesting, processing, and manufacturing, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of the biomaterials aligns with the principles of sustainability. By delving into these aspects, we strive to create biomaterials from water hyacinth that not only offer innovative solutions but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Through continuous research and collaboration, we can uncover new insights and techniques that will propel the development of water hyacinth biomaterials towards greater success and positive environmental impact.

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Where to find us

Prayaana Infomedia, Infopark TBI, 1ST Floor, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Ernakulam, Kerala
Phone: 9809080888
soulsanchi@gmail.com

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