Durian’s Surprising Potential in Construction and Plastics
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Each 1 kg of durian contains about 0.6 kg of husk… but this needn’t go to waste!
Durian takes center stage as the “King of Fruits’ as we approach mid-year and it also makes a crucial contribution to the Thai economy. Exports totaled an amazing 164.8 billion baht in 2023, according to the Department of Internal Trade. Domestic consumption averages 400,000 tons a year. But this appeal creates a problem—the discarded husks. Each year these total 240,200 tons. Unless properly managed, this waste can cause long-term sanitation and environmental issues.
Durian husks tend to go to landfill and incineration. But both methods have environmental impacts. Landfilling releases methane as the husks rot. Incineration releases harmful pollutants. Finding ways to use the husk could offer many benefits.
Innovative Ways to Use Durian Husk:
Durian husk can be fermented with yeast to feed animals. The fermented husk has increased protein and a fragrant scent like pickled fruit. With a firm texture and no harmful substances from fermentation, the feed is safe for ruminants and supports their growth and health.
The fibers in durian husk can also be turned into thermal insulation. Hemicellulose and lignin are extracted then mixed with adhesives like natural latex to form sheets. The resulting insulation has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. But while effective for heat insulation, the material has limitations from its water absorption and flammability. The husk can also be used in PLA/PBS/durian fiber foam for use in bedding for laboratory animals. Durian fibers enhance the foam's ability to absorb ammonia solutions or animal secretions and increase its strength.
Durian husk can be processed into a biodegradable bioplastic called carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The husk has a primary cellulose content of 54%, more than bagasse (41%), rice straw (38%), and coconut coir (36%). Extracting cellulose from durian husk to produce CMC is therefore highly feasible.
Making CMC from durian fibers has 3 steps:
- Preparing cellulose from durian husk fibers: This step involves removing hemicellulose and lignin using concentrated alkaline solutions such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and bleaching to remove color.
- Alkalization: This involves soaking the cellulose in a concentrated alkaline solution with a water-insoluble organic solvent, such as NaOH/isopropyl alcohol, to allow the alkaline solution to penetrate the fibers.
- Etherification: This involves adding monochloroacetic acid (MCA) to react with the cellulose, yielding sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) and sodium chloride (NaCl) as a byproduct.
CMC from durian husk fibers is like commercial CMC and can decompose within 60 hours without harming the environment. It’s suitable for biodegradable packaging and can coat fruit to slow spoilage.
Turning durian husk into useful materials not only reduces waste but also adds value to agricultural waste. The process creates high-quality, high-value products, especially as a precursor for CMC production. The diverse applications include as a thickener and stabilizer in the food, cosmetic, and agricultural industries. The material can also be used in biofilms and biodegradable packaging, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. While benefiting the environment the process opens new economic opportunities for farmers and industries, aligning with sustainable development goals.
Content by: Suphunphang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material Researcher
References:
Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce. Durian Production Statistics: https://regional.moc.go.th/th/file/get/file/202407013a6133c1bd218dfc40828623c88c6fea161400.pdf
Saarena Sue-mae. 2021. Development and Value Addition of Durian Rind Waste as a High-Quality Animal Feed Source for Southern Border Provinces. National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
Panjai Sueprasertsit et al. 2020. Technical Feasibility for the Production of Thermal Insulation Boards from Durian Rind. Vol 39. No 6, November-December 2020.
Kornkamon Jittareethat. 2023. Development and Evaluation of PLA/PBS/Durian Fiber Foam for Application as Bedding Material for Laboratory Animals. Master of Science Thesis (Material Innovation and Technology), Thammasat University.
Ruengdechawiwat, S., Sanawong, P., & Boonmee, S. (2024). Application of carboxymethyl cellulose from durian rind for maintaining the quality of mango fruits (MANGIFERA INDICA LINN.) CV. NAMDOKMAI SRI TONG. Life Sciences and Environment Journal, 25(1), 166–17