Publication: Development of biodegradable mulch film from empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber
| datacite.subject.fos | oecd::Engineering and technology::Materials engineering::Materials engineering | |
| dc.contributor.author | Alvin, Paul David | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-10-14T08:31:10Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-10-14T08:31:10Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-07-04 | |
| dc.description.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. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://erepo.usm.my/handle/123456789/22780 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Development of biodegradable mulch film from empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber | |
| dc.type | Resource Types::text::report::technical report | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | Universiti Sains Malaysia |