Team in Malaysia turns pineapple leaves into drones
Marie Donlon | January 14, 2021Researchers from Putra University in Malaysia are turning discarded pineapple leaves into structural components for drones.
The researchers have demonstrated that the fiber found in pineapple leaves can be used to create frames for drones with a higher strength-to-weight ratio than drones constructed with synthetic fibers.
In addition to its stronger components, the researchers discovered that the leaf-derived drones were also lighter, less expensive and degradable, deteriorating entirely after two weeks once the components are buried in soil. Pineapple leaves are typically burned when discarded, leading to the build up of air pollution. As such, by diverting the agricultural waste to the lab, researchers can contribute to a reduction in air pollution.
According to the Putra University team, the drones can reach heights of 3,280 ft and stay aloft for 20 minutes at a time. Eventually, the team believes that the degradable drones can be used for agricultural and aerial applications and intend to build larger leaf-derived drones capable of carrying larger payloads.
For more information, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Reuters.
It seems like, by extension of the concept, building sidings, beams, columns, other construction components, etc. could also be fashioned from such waste material, etc. (and thereby, reduce waste ? )