Publication: Development of biodegradable mulch film from empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber
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Date
2025-07-04
Authors
Alvin, Paul David
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Abstract
The widespread use of synthetic plastic mulch films has raised environmental concerns, especially due to microplastic pollution and poor degradability. This study aims to develop a sustainable alternative using biodegradable mulch films made from polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) reinforced with oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres, an abundant agro-waste in Malaysia. The research addresses key limitations of PBAT films, which are high cost, poor filler–matrix adhesion, and slow biodegradation by incorporating chemically treated EFB fibres. The fibres underwent a 1-day alkaline treatment with NaOH, followed by silane functionalization using APTES. FTIR confirmed the removal of hemicellulose and successful silane grafting, while morphology analysis showed improved fibre dispersion. A masterbatch (80 wt.% PBAT, 20 wt.% treated EFB) was prepared and blended with neat PBAT at 5–20 wt.% loadings. The 20 wt.% masterbatch (4 wt.% EFB) showed the best performance, which constituted a tensile strength of 13.12 MPa, Young’s modulus of 93.01 MPa, and 361.67% elongation. FESEM confirmed strong matrix–filler bonding, and thermal analysis showed improved stability. Water contact angle was highest at 10 wt.% due to effective silane coating, while water absorption increased with filler loading. Soil burial tests over 5 weeks showed the highest biodegradation (8.73%) in the 20 wt.% masterbatch composites. Compostability tests with bean sprouts showed no phytotoxicity and even enhanced growth. In summary, the optimized PBAT–EFB composite with alkali + silane treated EFB fibres at 4 wt.% offers a cost-effective, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly solution for agricultural mulch films, combining improved mechanical, thermal, and plant-compatible properties.