Pest to Plastic: Upcycling Invasive Fountain Grass into Multi-Functional Bioplastic Materials

Overview

Invasive fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) increases wildfire intensity, accelerates soil erosion, and requires repeated removal in regions such as Southern California. Meanwhile, petroleum-based plastics contribute to long-term pollution and waste accumulation. This study aimed to one, extract cellulose nanofibers from invasive fountain grass and two, evaluate whether the resulting films could be engineered to achieve tunable mechanical strength and flame-retardant behavior for practical packaging applications. Fountain grass biomass was cleaned, dried, and processed using a deep eutectic solvent (composed of lactic acid and choline hydroxide) to remove excessive polymers and isolate cellulose fibers. Two formulations were engineered: a packaging-oriented film and a more uniform flame-retardant film, titled CMCNF and SCNF. The cellulose was then converted into nanofibers through mechanical mixing and fabricated into films through under vacuum pressing. Material properties were evaluated through thickness measurement, tensile and tear resistance testing, and qualitative flame-resistance observations. Both formulations formed continuous films. The two films were also compared to LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene, a plastic material commonly used for food wrap. The CMCNF film showed good tensile strength but lower flexibility due to structural non-uniformity, while the SCNF film demonstrated improved tear resistance and reduced brittleness, exhibiting twice as much in tensile strength compared to both LDPE and CMCNF. The SCNF film also exhibited enhanced flame resistance through formation of protective char layers instead of degradation and secondary flame spread. Results indicate material chemical properties can be systematically controlled through formulation changes. These findings demonstrate that invasive fountain grass can serve as a viable cellulose source for biodegradable plastics with customizable performance. Potential applications include low-load protective packaging and fire-safer disposable materials, such as the protective layer over flammable electronics. This approach converts wildfire-promoting biomass into functional materials, providing a circular solution to both invasive plant waste, fire risks, and plastic pollution.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Materials Science (Junior Division) · Entry J-13-03

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