DEVELOPMENT OF A BIODEGRADABLE CUP USING GROUNDNUT SHELL WASTE

Author

B. Pushpalatha, Kaki Pavan Kumar, Lavudya Ashok, Vallapu Santhosh, Chakali Sridhar, Mr. V. Srinivasa Rao


Abstract

  Utilizing agricultural residues for sustainable product development offers a promising pathway to convert low-value waste into functional eco-friendly materials. This study presents the design and development framework for a biodegradable cup fabricated from groundnut shell waste. Groundnut shells, rich in lignocellulosic components, serve as a natural filler combined with a starch-based binder and glycerol to form a mouldable biocomposite. The proposed manufacturing route encompasses shell collection, cleaning, drying, grinding, sieving, binder preparation, composite mixing, compression moulding, and final conditioning. A cup geometry with a nominal capacity of 120 mL is designed alongside a matched male–female aluminium mould using CAD tools. Furthermore, a preliminary finite-element modelling (FEM) and static structural analysis of the cup design are conducted. Because this work represents a Stage-1 development study, experimental fabrication and physical testing results are reserved for future work; thus, claims regarding long-term liquid-holding capacity or certified biodegradability require future empirical validation.


Keywords

Groundnut shell waste; biodegradable cup; agricultural waste; starch binder; biocomposite; compression moulding; finite-element analysis.



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References


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