Biodegradation Study of a Novel Poly-Caprolactone-Coffee Husk Composite Film

Abstract

Plastic disposal is a worldwide issue due to its long degradation time. Environmentally degradable polymers (EDPs) have received considerable attention because of their faster degradation. However, the use of EDPs is limited by high cost and restricted properties. The incorporation of organic fillers is an alternative to reduce cost while increasing biodegradation. Poly-caprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester compatible with organic fillers. Coffee husk (CH) is a sub-product of coffee processing with potential use as organic filler. We prepared a novel PCL-CH composite film and investigated the effects of CH incorporation on the biodegradation of PCL. Biodegradation study was carried out in soil for 120 days, and evaluated by weight loss measurements. Additionally, soil microbiological and granulometric analyses were performed. Bacteria and fungi were found in the soil that was classified as sandy. The composite film degraded twice faster than PCL film probably due to the adhesion of microorganisms on the coffee husk.

Development of fiber-reinforced polypropylene with NaOH pretreated rice and coffee husks as fillers: Mechanical and thermal properties

“…By 2016, plastics production had risen to 335 million tonnes worldwide, with only 1% being bio-based. 1,2 Worldwide plastic production as of 2018 stands at about 375 million tonnes. 3 However, production of plastics is predicted to increase over the next few years.…”

“…3 However, production of plastics is predicted to increase over the next few years. 1 There is an increasing demand to reduce consumption of single-use plastics because of increased plastic pollution on land and water resources. 3 Thermoplastic materials currently dominate as matrices for biofibers.…”

Gamma irradiation effects on polycaprolactone/zinc oxide nanocomposite films

“…Due to their chemical constitution, however, they have a low rate of degradation, leading to environmental problems [1][2][3] . An alternative to these materials are the polymeric materials constituted by poly (α-hydroxy acids), which are biodegraded by microorganisms in CO 2 , water, and cellular components among other materials [4,5] . One of the main representatives of this class of polymers is polycaprolactone, which is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer.…”

Wettability, Thermal Stability, and Antibacterial Properties of Polycaprolactone /ZnO Nanocomposites in Packaging

“…PCL is a polymer thermoplastic material and has as of late much consideration on account of its adaptability and biodegradability .It is being applied in nourishment bundling, tissue designing, dressing for wound, and medication conveyance. In any case, a few insufficiency of PCL, for example, significant expense, low dissolving temperature and low glass transition (Tg) that utilized as a compatibilizer, and low elasticity of 10-23 MPa, yet a great stretching to break (over 700%) that confines across the board mechanical of PCL [3,4].…”