In the heart of Indonesia, a groundbreaking study led by Rosalia Sira Sarungallo, a researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering at Hasanuddin University and the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universitas Kristen Indonesia Paulus, is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the construction industry. The research, published in the Journal of Applied Science and Engineering (Jurnal Ilmu Terapan dan Teknik), focuses on the potential of sorghum starch as a bio-based adhesive for particleboard manufacturing, offering a promising alternative to conventional synthetic adhesives.
Sorghum, a versatile crop known for its drought resistance and high yield, has long been a staple in many parts of the world. However, its potential as a key component in eco-friendly construction materials has remained largely untapped—until now. Sarungallo and her team have extracted and characterized sorghum starch, specifically the Super 1 variety, to create an adhesive composite with chitosan, a natural polymer derived from shrimp and crab shells.
The study delves into the intricate details of the adhesive’s composition and performance. “The formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups on sorghum starch and the amino groups on chitosan significantly enhances the stability and mechanical strength of the composites,” Sarungallo explains. This chemical interaction not only improves the adhesive’s performance but also contributes to its eco-friendly nature, as both sorghum starch and chitosan are renewable resources.
The research team employed various analytical techniques to evaluate the adhesive’s properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydrogen bonds, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the addition of chitosan increased the amorphinity of the starch, making the material more flexible. Viscoamylographic profiles further indicated that the sorghum starch-chitosan adhesive has good gelation ability and viscosity, essential for its application in particleboard manufacturing.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable solutions, the development of eco-friendly adhesives could significantly reduce the environmental impact of particleboard production. “Further research is warranted to evaluate the adhesive performance in particleboard production and optimize the formulation and production process for broader construction applications,” Sarungallo notes. This call to action underscores the potential of sorghum starch-chitosan adhesive to revolutionize the industry, offering a viable alternative to synthetic adhesives that are often derived from non-renewable resources.
The study’s findings open up new avenues for innovation in the construction sector, particularly in the energy sector, where sustainable building materials are increasingly in demand. As the world transitions towards greener technologies, the integration of bio-based adhesives in construction could lead to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. This research not only highlights the potential of sorghum starch as a sustainable resource but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation. With further development and optimization, sorghum starch-chitosan adhesive could become a cornerstone of eco-friendly construction, shaping the future of sustainable building practices.
