BIOdegradable vegan networks from REcycled agro-food waste as sustainable single-use abSORBents (BioRESorb)

The objective is to develop biodegradable absorbents containing nonwoven fiber networks from agro-food biomass waste.

Biomass such as rice husk/straw and wheat bran rich in protein, cellulose, and fibers will be used as naturally occurring raw materials. This biomass occurs as porous structures and will be used as a liquid-absorbent component.

The material´s structure-absorption relationship will be investigated and developed to make a fully bio-based absorbent core encapsulated in a natural nonwoven fabric.

The raw materials will also be combined with other natural polymers to provide additional functionality (antimicrobial or binding properties), and foaming agents will be used to optimize porosity. The materials will be processed by extrusion to produce structures with high absorption capacity.

The liquid absorption and mechanical properties will be correlated with processing conditions for constructing models defining critical features for the targeted functionality.

Developing materials solely from renewable resources creates a "Waste To New Materials" model with potential use in disposable applications with a vegan label.

The absorbents can function in single-use sanitary, hygiene, and porous absorbents in agriculture, which presently are made of non-biodegradable plastics.

The biodegradation, bio assimilation, and LCA will be investigated to ensure safe formulations, avoid toxic microplastics in the environment, and prevent further environmental concerns.