Rahul Dev Bairwan, Syaifullah Muhammad, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi, C.K. Abdullah, Mardiana Idayu Ahmad, H. P. S. Abdul Khalil
The valorization of agro-industrial waste such as spent coffee grounds (SCG) offers a sustainable strategy for developing biodegradable materials. This study explores the incorporation of SCG as a biofiller in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites. The effects of SCG particle size (fine vs. coarse) and filler loading (1–7 wt.%) on mechanical, thermal, surface, and biodegradation properties were systematically examined. Biocomposites with fine SCG at 5 wt.% showed the best overall performance, achieving a 16% increase in tensile strength (32.9 MPa) and a 23% rise in flexural strength (31.7 MPa) compared to neat PHBV. Coarse SCG fillers enhanced thermal stability, with a peak degradation temperature of 290°C at 3 wt.% loading. However, higher filler contents caused agglomeration and weakened interfacial bonding. Coarse SCG composites also exhibited greater water absorption (0.76%) and biodegradation (17.9% mass loss after 60 days) due to increased porosity. Two-way ANOVA with Tukey's test (p < 0.001) confirmed that both particle size and filler loading significantly affected mechanical performance. These findings demonstrate the potential of SCG as a low-cost, circular biofiller and highlight particle size optimization as a key factor in engineering PHBV-based biocomposites for eco-friendly packaging applications. © 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Atsiri Research Center (ARC) Aceh, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Green Biopolymer, Coatings and Packaging Cluster, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Environmental Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Faculty of Business, Hospitality and Technology, Universiti Islam Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia
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