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Cost-Effective Fabrication of Biodegradable Paper Towels from Food-Waste Derived Cellulose and Pectin Crosslinked Ca2+

CSEF · 2026 Environmental Engineering (Track 2) (Senior Division)

Arnav Kodavati

Overview

This project investigates the development of a cost-effective, biodegradable paper towel fabricated from fruit and vegetable waste-derived cellulose fibers reinforced with pectin and calcium crosslinking. Conventional paper towels rely on virgin wood pulp and contribute significantly to deforestation and landfill waste. The purpose of this project is to evaluate whether mixed food waste biomass streams can be processed into an absorbent, mechanically durable, and compostable alternative that meets commercial performance standards. Food scraps were oven-dried, pulverized, and subjected to sequential hot-water, mild acid, mild base, and peroxide treatments to isolate cellulose-rich fibers. Extracted fibers were blended with food-grade pectin, formed into sheets, and crosslinked using calcium chloride to enhance wet structural integrity. Calcium ions interact with pectin chains through the “egg-box” model, forming ionic junction zones that increase inter-fiber bonding and resistance to hydration-induced weakening. Prototypes are evaluated for absorbency, tensile strength, biodegradability, and cost efficiency. Absorption behavior is analyzed using a two-regime framework combining Washburn capillary flow dynamics and pseudo-first-order saturation kinetics to model early-time wicking and maximum uptake. Mechanical performance is evaluated through a poromechanics model linking water content to modulus reduction and swelling-induced stress. Multivariable regression and response surface optimization are applied to determine how fiber density, binder concentration, and processing conditions influence performance-cost tradeoffs with Pareto optimization and computational simulation used to construct a Pareto frontier of optimal solutions. This work integrates materials science, fluid dynamics, and mathematical modeling to assess the feasibility of transforming food waste into scalable, sustainable absorbent products.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Environmental Engineering (Track 2) (Senior Division) · Entry S-12-13

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