Figure 1: (a) Maltese Liedna decorating the streets for the village feast, and (b) degraded Liedna littering the street.
Traditionally made from used paper-based lottery tickets, modern Liedna, the traditional Maltese decoration used in village feasts, is often made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). However, this plastic liedna degrades quickly, littering streets with plastic fragments (Figure 1).
In response, the Department of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering (DMME) was commissioned by Hon. Dr Owen Bonnici MP on behalf of the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government to identify a more durable and eco-friendly material.
To embark on this research project, the DMME hosted Ms Shana N’Douri Sangana, a 4th year engineering student from SeaTech School of Engineering, University of Toulon, France for a 4-month internship funded by an Erasmus+ Mobility Exchange programme, and supervised by Dr Inġ. Anthea Agius Anastasi and Dr Sophie M. Briffa.
Ms Shana N’Douri Sangana presented her ongoing work to the Department’s academic staff, technical staff, and postgraduate students, on Friday 9 August 2024, sparking a fruitful team discussion (Figure 2).
After consulting with liedna artisans, Shana kicked off the project with an extensive material selection study using Ansys Granta EduPack. The study aimed to find materials that are environmentally sustainable and meet the Liedna’s functional requirements, particularly UV resistance to withstand the Maltese climate.
The project has now moved onto a prototype testing phase in which a number of alternative materials are being tested for their suitability and durability in application.
Ms Shana N’Douri Sangana presented her ongoing work to the Department’s academic staff, technical staff, and postgraduate students, on Friday 9 August 2024, sparking a fruitful team discussion (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Ms Shana N’Douri Sangana presenting her work to the Department of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering.
The material selection process involved a two-step approach. Initially, a global screening was conducted based on criteria such as cost, CO2 footprint, and water usage, to help narrow down potential materials. Next, additional critical parameters like biodegradability, recyclability, and flammability were considered. Biodegradability was prioritised to reduce environmental impact from particulate pollution, and non-flammability was favoured to avoid the need for fire-resistant coatings, which increase costs and environmental impact.
The project has now moved onto a prototype testing phase in which a number of alternative materials are being tested for their suitability and durability in application.
