Desarrollo de un material biodegradable a partir de la valorización de cáscara de naranja residual

Abstract

This thesis addresses the development of a biodegradable material from the recovery of waste orange peel, a sustainable alternative to the use of conventional plastics. The importance of this topic lies in the need to reduce the environmental impact generated by plastic waste and, at the same time, add value to agro-industrial waste such as orange peel, which is widely available and rich in compounds useful for the production of biopolymers. The methodology used consisted of the collection and processing of orange peels using drying, grinding, and mixing techniques with film-forming agents. Formulation tests were conducted to obtain a homogeneous matrix, and the mechanical properties of the resulting material, such as its strength, flexibility, and biodegradability, were evaluated. Comparative analyses with similar materials were also performed to validate its viability as a biodegradable alternative. As a result of the research, it was concluded that orange peel can be effectively used as a raw material for the production of a biodegradable material with acceptable characteristics for non-structural applications. This type of development contributes to the utilization of organic waste, the circular economy, and the search for sustainable solutions within the food and packaging industries.