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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIntroduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The escalating production of bio-based polymers reflects a global shift toward sustainable material solutions, with output soaring from 3.5 million tons in 2011 to a projected 12 million tons annually by 20201<\/a><\/sup>. However, this progress pales compared to the staggering 235 million tons of petrochemical-based polymers produced yearly, underscoring the urgent need for innovative alternatives to mitigate plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In response, green composites have emerged as a beacon of ecological innovation, particularly in applications such as biodegradable cultivating pots that merge sustainability with functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biodegradable pots eliminate the need for container disposal post-transplantation, reducing landfill waste while enriching soil ecosystems2<\/a><\/sup>. By integrating natural fillers like sugarcane bagasse, compost, and activated carbon, these pots achieve enhanced water management, structural stability, and nutrient delivery\u2014attributes vital for supporting plant growth3<\/a><\/sup>. Additionally, mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation, critical for withstanding environmental stresses, are further refined through pretreatment processes like mercerization, which strengthens the filler-matrix bond by removing lignin and hemicellulose4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of the sugar industry, epitomizes the potential of agro-industrial residues as sustainable reinforcements in composites. With high tensile strength, low density, and biodegradability, bagasse fibers serve as eco-friendly substitutes for synthetic fillers5<\/a><\/sup>. Compost, revered for its organic richness, enhances soil fertility and water retention6<\/a><\/sup>, while vermiculite and peat moss improve aeration and root penetration3<\/a><\/sup>. Activated carbon, with its superior adsorption capacity, contributes to the composite\u2019s ability to retain nutrients and moisture7<\/a><\/sup>. Together, these fillers create a multifunctional blend that supports plant growth while reducing the environmental footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopting biodegradable pots addresses two critical challenges: reducing reliance on plastics and enhancing agricultural efficiency. These pots can be directly planted into the soil with crops, where they naturally decompose, enriching the soil with organic matter2<\/a><\/sup>. Physical attributes such as water absorption, density, and void space play integral roles in water retention and root aeration, while mechanical properties such as tensile strength ensure stability and longevity4<\/a><\/sup>. By optimizing these characteristics through innovative filler combinations and treatments, biodegradable pots hold the potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This research evaluates the physical, mechanical, and ecological performance of cultivating pots made from palm and Lanette wax matrices, incorporating fillers like sugarcane bagasse, compost, and activated carbon, with and without mercerization pretreatment. By examining parameters such as water absorption, tensile strength, and plant growth, this study contributes to the progress of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic-based pots, offering solutions that align with global sustainability goals and advance agricultural innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biodegradable cultivating pots were constructed as biocomposites, utilizing various filler reinforcement materials, including sugarcane bagasse obtained from local farms, subjected to grinding, washing, and drying processes to produce the powders depicted in Fig. 1<\/a>, Various fillers, such as compost, peat moss, vermiculite, and activated carbon, were procured from local suppliers. Sorbitol was incorporated as a plasticizer to facilitate the homogenous blending of ingredients, while sodium hydroxide was obtained from a local provider for the mercerization pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. These materials were combined with two binding agents, namely Palm (P) and Lanette wax (L), as well as the impact of sugarcane bagasse mercerization pretreatment with 1 M NaOH to create biodegradable biocomposite matrices for use in cultivation pots, as outlined in Table 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Table 1 Experimental layout description of candidate cultivating pot materials used in the investigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Full size table<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The apparatus utilized in the fabrication of cultivating pots is depicted in Fig.\u00a02<\/a>. As illustrated in the layout, it comprises a 1.5 hp 3-phase geared motor mounted on a crank mechanism to actuate the ram of a hydraulic bottle jack, equipped with a pressure gauge, on a stationary forming mold. The pouring mold, divided into two parts, is equipped with heaters, and mounted on a movable clamping pneumatic and screw wheel. The entire mechanism is adjusted by a control panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nMaterials and methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Apparatus employed in the fabrication of cultivating pots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n