Performance of Plant-Based Biopolymers as Drag Reducing Additives

Abstract:

Long chain polymers are reported to be effective in reducing drag in turbulent flow systems. However, most of the effective polymers are synthetic, which are costly, non-biodegradable, and toxic that raises environmental concerns. Natural polymers, as eco-friendly alternatives, are gaining interest as drag-reducing additives (DRA), but single natural polymers have lower drag reduction (DR) efficacy compared to synthetic ones and degrade under high shear stress. This study aims to investigate biopolymer complexes from hibiscus leaves (HL) and okra (OK) as eco-friendly DRAs, comparing their performance with individual components. Biopolymers were extracted from dried hibiscus leaves and okra and diluted to concentrations of 200–1000 ppm. Complexes were formulated by mixing 200–1000 ppm HL extract with 1000 ppm OK extract. The extracts were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), meanwhile all the drag reducing solutions were assessed for viscosity, viscoelasticity and DR performance using an oscillating rheometer under different shear rate (0 – 200 s^-1) and frequencies (0 – 100 Hz). All the polymer solutions showed non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior. The biopolymers and their complexes also exhibited significant viscoelastic properties which is important for DRA stability in turbulent flow. OK solutions achieved up to 79% DR at 1000 ppm, while HL solutions reached an average of 99% DR at concentrations of 400 ppm and above. However, HL-OK complexes had lower DR efficacy, with a maximum DR of 72% at 800 ppm HL – 1000 ppm OK. This might be due to the high concentration altering the water's properties and increasing viscosity, which increases drag.In conclusion, HL and OK complexes have potential for drag reduction, but future research should optimize concentration ratios, test over a broader range of shear rates, and explore other natural polymers complexes to achieve the synergistic effect.

• Periodical: Diffusion Foundations and Materials Applications (Volume 39)
• Pages: 69-86
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-TVPCc9
• Online since: January 2026
• Authors: Aliq Bin Osman, Fiona W.M. Ling*, Emma Suali, Anthony Degullacion, Becxter Berul, Alvin H. H. Teo
• Keywords: Biopolymers, Drag Reduction, Hibiscus Leaves, Okra, Rheology

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