Bio-Inspired Eco-Composite Materials Seaweed Waste Integration for Sustainable Structural Applications

Daniel Barros (), Luís Nobre, João Bessa, Liliana Leite, Carlos Mota, Fernando Cunha and Raúl Fangueiro
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Daniel Barros: Fibrenamics, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Luís Nobre: Fibrenamics, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
João Bessa: Fibrenamics, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Liliana Leite: Tecminho, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Carlos Mota: Beyond Composite, 4410-309 Canelas, Portugal
Fernando Cunha: Givaware, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Raúl Fangueiro: Fibrenamics, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-15

Abstract: The increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and plastic waste in marine environments demand immediate action to mitigate their effects. A promising solution lies in enhancing algal cultivation in marine environments, which not only absorbs CO 2 and produces oxygen (O 2 ) but also contributes to carbon sequestration. This study aims to develop biodegradable substrates for algae cultivation, facilitating their gradual degradation in marine environments and eventual deposition on the ocean floor, thereby addressing both plastic pollution and CO 2 emissions. We selected various degradable polymers and incorporated differing proportions of algae residue powder (10%, 20%, and 30% by weight) into these substrates. The compositions were processed through extrusion and molded into test samples for hot compression molding. Characterization included assessments of mass loss, morphology, chemical composition, and mechanical strength under both dry conditions and after immersion in seawater for up to two months. The results indicate that the incorporation of algae residue significantly accelerates the degradation of the samples, particularly under extended exposure to seawater. Mass loss measurements indicated that samples with a 30 wt% algae addition experienced mass losses of up to 12% after two months of immersion. Mechanical strength tests demonstrated a reduction of up to 57% in strength due to the incorporation of algae, with seawater immersion further exacerbating this loss. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer substrates infused with algae residue for effective carbon sequestration through enhanced algae cultivation.

Keywords: algae; carbon capture; biodegradability; sustainability; ocean; eco-composite (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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