Biodegradable materials project "garnel"

Materials project. Food/Seafood waste. Crabs and Lobsters. In tackling the issue of seafood waste, my project focuses on repurposing discarded crab and lobster shells, which decompose very slowly in landfills. Given the significant amount of seafood waste produced daily by restaurants, especially in busy cities like London, I set out to collect these shells and turn them into a practical solution. After thorough experimentation and refinement, I've created a biodegradable material from these crustacean shells. This material has been rigorously tested for mechanical properties such as tensile strength, water resistance, flexibility, and compressibility. I've also experimented with different textures and formulations to enhance its performance and versatility. I've found potential uses for this biodegradable material, including packaging, disposable utensils, and agricultural films. Its compatibility with tools like saws and sanding machines makes it suitable for manufacturing processes. While my project has made significant progress in addressing seafood waste and providing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, I continue to improve and expand the material through ongoing research and development. My goal is to maximize its effectiveness and broaden its applications, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The material, despite its appearance, is as hard/durable as plywood.

The material is heatproof and water-resistant, but if you boil it in a kettle for an extended period and stir, it will completely dissolve, allowing for easy composting. Additionally, it is entirely non-toxic, made from the same safe ingredients we use in cooking, like water and glycerin, making it pet-friendly.

The production of the material is quite simple. Preparing the powder from crab and lobster shells takes about 4 hours (collecting, cleaning, boiling, baking, crushing), and the resulting powder is enough to make many items.

Drying the product takes a few hours to 2 days, depending on the drying conditions. A food dehydrator machine significantly speeds up the process.

To create these lampshades, I poured the mixture into 3D-printed moulds and opened the lid after an hour to let it dry. As it dries, the material naturally deforms, adding unique character to each lampshade. The material shrinks by 5-15%, depending on the recipe and proportions used.

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