The Ceibapentandra shell, a by-product of the kapok tree used in the mattress industry, is generated during fiber extraction from seed pods. The improper disposal of Ceibapentandra shells after cotton removal, such as through landfilling or burning, contributes to environmental pollution. However, their biodegradable nature and potential for bio-based applications, including reinforcement in bioplastics and composites, present sustainable solutions for waste management and enhance the sustainability of the kapok industry. This study investigates the fabrication of biofilms by reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) with varying concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) of Ceibapentandra shell powder (CPSP) using the solution casting method. The incorporation of CPSP enhances the crystalline structure of the films, while the strong interfacial bonding between PLA and CPSP improves chemical interactions. Notably, the biocomposite with 20 wt.% CPSP demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical properties, achieving a 45.66% increase in tensile strength and a 40.44% increase in tensile modulus compared to pure PLA. Optical analyses revealed enhanced UV shielding, with a 61% reduction in UV transmittance and favorable values for %haze, %transparency, and % opacity. Despite the hydrophilic nature of CPSP resulting in higher water vapor absorption (up to 75.48%), biodegradation studies indicated substantial weight loss, with PLA/25 wt.% CPSP films showing 48% degradation in soil and 34% in vegetative waste. Furthermore, these biofilms exhibited robust antimicrobial activity, achieving a 94% reduction in Escherichiacoli within 24 h. Overall, the results suggest that PLA/CPSP biofilms are sustainable materials for packaging applications.

来源平台：WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION