Optimization of Treatment and Ratio of Ground Coffee Waste (GCW) as Filler in Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bio-Composite

Abstract

Plastics are widely used due to their excellent physical and chemical properties; however, their excessive production and improper disposal have led to severe environmental issues. In response, industries are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. PLA a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources has emerged as a promising alternative due to its lower density, biodegradability, and compatibility with natural fillers However, improving its mechanical performance remains necessary for broader applications. GCW offers a sustainable and cost-effective filler material for PLA. GCW’s availability, affordability, and functional properties make it a suitable natural filler that can improve PLA’s mechanical and chemical properties while supporting circular economy initiatives. This study aimed to optimize the treatment and percentage of GCW as a sustainable filler in PLA bio-composites, with the primary objective to enhance mechanical and chemical properties of the composites. There are two types of composites produced, the first one is untreated composites and the second one is treated composites.