Theeraphat Chuaklang*, Punyaphon Thitiphisutkul, Watcharaporn Saenna, Kiattisak Butsut
Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Buriram
*Email:
Abstract
This project investigates the efficacy of cushioning paper derived from durian peel mixed with activated carbon in retarding ripening and providing mangoes’ shock protection. Utilizing durian peels sourced from community leftovers, the fibers are extracted through boiling and subsequently combined with activated charcoal powder in varying proportions (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of fibers) and finally molded using a paper sieve. Ripening retardation tests reveal that a 10% activated carbon ratio exhibits the most effective delay in ripening, with a weight loss rate of 1.099 ± 0.111% per day. The cushioning paper, wrapped around products and packed in boxes alongside commercial cushioning material, underwent three repeated trials. Notably, the trial using cushioning paper with a 10% activated charcoal ratio showcases repeatable protection. In conclusion, the developed cushioning paper demonstrates the ability to retard ripening processes effectively while offering superior shock protection. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing agricultural waste for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry.
Keywords: cushioning paper; ripening; durian peels; ethylene; activated carbon
Introduction
Thailand is a country where the majority of the population works in agriculture. Most of the farmers’ income comes from farming. According to the report, Thailand exports agricultural products as high as 27.3 million tons per year (Editorial department TCIJ, 2566). The highest-ranking exported fruit products such as mangoes are popular for consumption. However, the production process and transportation were not very effective, or profits were not as desired. The reason is that mangoes have thin skins, are easily bruised, and have a short storage period which will lead to spoilage. One of the causes of spoilage comes from the fruit releasing ethylene, which has properties to stimulate fruit ripening. The organizers therefore thought of producing paper to protect against mangoes shock and slow down the ripening process by preparing durian peels, which are abundant and discarded as agricultural waste. In addition, durian shell is tough and contains a large amount of cellulose fibers. First, the fibers were extracted by spinning them in a multi-purpose blender. They were then mixed with activated charcoal powder at ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15% per fiber weight. The experiment was divided into three sets, each with a different activated carbon-to-durian peel ratio of 5%, 10%, and 15%.
The produced cushioning paper was tested for its shockproof performance compared to commercial shockproof materials. Additionally, the ethylene adsorption efficiency of the activated carbon powder was evaluated, along with the effectiveness of the cushioning paper in delaying fruit ripening.
This innovative product can be used by farmers, providing a sustainable alternative that helps increase their income while reducing plastic waste. It aligns with the goal of promoting continuous economic growth, sustainable employment, productivity, and decent work for all.
Discussions
From the production of paper for cushioning and slowing ripening, it was found that paper containing activated charcoal and durian peels could evidently slow down the mango ripening process. The suitable condition was observed using activated charcoal ratio of 10 % which could result in proper distribution of activated charcoal on the paper area. This makes the paper the most effective shockproof, and the proper dispersion of activated carbon making it possible to most effectively absorb ethylene gas compared with other investigated conditions.
In the tensile test, it was found that Shockproof paper from Durian peels mixed with activated charcoal has lower tensile resistance than paper made from only durian peels (without activated charcoal). Their tensile stress resistances were 3.000 kN / m and 6.857 kN / m, respectively. This may be caused by the presence of activated charcoal in the paper reducing the flexibility of the fibers.
Analysis of the moisture content found that cushioning paper made from durian peels mixed with activated charcoal had the lowest amount of moisture which is 9.607 %.
In the test of shock resistance between cushioning paper from durian peel mixed with activated charcoal and the commercial materials, it was found that commercial materials are more shockproof. Due to the commercialization process, features are more flexible and able to withstand more impact.
Average skin color data of mangoes after treatment with activated charcoal materials prepared under different conditions were used to evaluate the material efficiencies. It was found that 10% activated charcoal was more suitable in delaying yellow colors of mangoes. It is expected that porosity of activated charcoal could behave as a good absorbent. This makes it possible to absorb ethylene gas that mangos release (ripening more slowly).
Conclusions
From the results of the experiment, it was concluded that durian peels can be used to produce cushioning paper. Because it has cellulose or twine as a component, it can be made by extracting twine from the durian peel followed by its conversion into paper.
The suitable content of activated carbon is 10% by weight of the fiber because it can absorb ethylene gas as measured by the weight loss, because the ripening of fruit is caused by the release of ethylene gas, which leads to a reduction in weight and the skin color of the fruit. By using this material, the tested mango showed a weight loss percentage of 1.099 ± 0.111% of the initial mango weight per day.
References
Bhutia, W., Pal, R. K., Sen, S., & Jha, S. K. (2011). Response of different maturity stages of sapota (Manilkara achras Mill.) cv. Kallipatti to in-package ethylene absorbent. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 48(6), 763–768. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0360-x
