Sustainable Polypropylene Biocomposites Reinforced with Spent Coffee Grounds: Effect of Particle Size and Loading on Mechanical, Physical, and Rheological Properties
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This research investigates the role of spent coffee grounds particle size in determining the mechanical, rheological, and physical performance of polypropylene biocomposites, showing their potential as environmentally friendly fillers in thermoplastic materials. Biocomposites were prepared with different filler contents and two particle size fractions, referred to as fine and coarse, to evaluate the influence of granulometry and loading. Characterization encompassed density, melt flow index, hardness, and tensile properties, specifically strength, stiffness, and elongation at break. The findings revealed that adding spent coffee grounds diminished tensile strength and ductility, thereby suggesting enhanced brittleness stemming from both restricted polymer chain mobility and stress concentration phenomena. A marginal increase in stiffness was noted at lower filler concentrations for coarse particles, succeeded by a reduction at elevated loadings. Density and hardness exhibited an increase with filler content, whereas the melt flow index decreased, which is indicative of diminished material flowability. Fine particles facilitated a more uniform dispersion and enhanced overall stability when contrasted with coarse particles. These observations underscore the suitability of spent coffee grounds as eco-friendly fillers, with particle size and content being critical factors in the optimization of composite performance.
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204146500