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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Fabrication and Characterization of PLA-CSP Composites via FDM for Biodegradable Food Packaging

  1. Kelli Durga Prasad Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Chakipalle
  2. Turali Narayana Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Chakipalle
  3. Santhosh Kumar Dubba Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, ChakipalleDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Chakipalle
  4. Pavan Kumar Rejeti Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Chakipalle
  5. S Laxmana Raju Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sivani College of Engineering
  6. Suresh Patnaik Pakki Department of Basic Science, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management, Chakipalle

Abstract

In light of the growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging, this study presents the design of a food-grade, biocompatible packaging material composed of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and packed with coconut shell powder (CSP). One of the most well-known thermoplastic polymers, PLA is produced from renewable resources like sugarcane or maize starch. Its nontoxicity, biodegradability, and adherence to food safety standards and regulations provide energy. Unfortunately, PLA's weak barrier qualities and inherent brittleness have restricted its use in packaging. In order to improve the mechanical strength and moisture resistance of PLA composites, CSP, an agro-waste product rich in lignocellulose, was thought to be a natural filler in weight fractions of 1 and 2%. Melt extrusion was used to produce composite filaments, which were subsequently turned into specimens for FDM testing. The mechanical characteristics of the composites tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, water absorption, and melt flow index were then evaluated. The structural and functional characteristics of PLA were shown to be greatly improved by the addition of CSP. When compared to clean PLA, the composite containing 2 weight percent CSP exhibited the lowest percentage of water absorption and the maximum tensile and flexural strengths when extruded at the ideal temperature of 190 degrees Celsius. This was explained by the improved interfacial bonding that had formed between the CSP particles and the PLA matrix, which prevented water transport and microcrack development due to the filler's hydrophobic nature and fine dispersion. The study demonstrated that PLA CSP composites provide one of the currently more sustainable methods for agricultural waste utilization in addition to compensating for the mechanical and moisture shortcomings of plain PLA. It promotes renewable and biodegradable packaging solutions while reducing plastic pollution, which is in line with the circular economy philosophy. For next-generation biodegradable food packaging applications with enhanced performance, processability, and eco-responsibility, PLA-CSP composites therefore appear as a really relevant and environmentally efficient option.

Keywords

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