Architecture of Bioplastics: Mapping the Potential of Increased Biodegrability of Tapioca Starch Bioplastics on the Material Strength, Life Cycle Assessment, and Design Implications

Biodegradability and reuse of food waste are two ways that can close the unsustainable open loop of the production/waste cycle. This research examines the potential of using biomass-based bio plastic (renewable and bio-degradable) and food waste (waste-to-resource) to tackle the issue of dependency on fossil fuel-based material and the overburden of landfills. 

This thesis investigates the processes of a new range of material production and properties of the new renewable materials in architecture. Testing and fabrication of TPS (thermoplastic starch) and food waste is being conducted in the research to identify the properties and potentialities of the biomaterial. Lifecycle of materials is being examined in terms of its environment impacts and embodied energy. The future application of biodegradable materials for architectural interior spaces is being designed and proposed. The integration of building performance criteria and the material behavior is also being tested and analyzed to further project its future application in architecture. 

The intention is to prototype, and test physical and material test using bio plastic mixtures and document their material properties in terms of their design potential, stability and physical behavior within specific environmental context. The Life-cycle assessment of the material is being executed to optimize its environmental impacts and embodied energy. This along with the degradability of the material will aid in the development of the sustainable material and lead to the future application of biodegradable architectural features.