LAPSE:2023.36757
Published Article
LAPSE:2023.36757
Biodegradable Composite Film of Brewers’ Spent Grain and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)
Lilian Lin, Sarah Mirkin, Heon E. Park
September 21, 2023
Plastic pollution and food waste are two pressing global challenges that require immediate attention and innovative solutions. In this study, we address these challenges by upcycling brewers’ spent grain (BSG) into biodegradable composite films. BSG, a by-product of the beer brewing process, is commonly discarded in landfills or used as animal feed. By utilizing BSG as a raw material for biodegradable films, we simultaneously reduce waste and decrease plastic pollution. To create the composite films, we employed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and glycerol as binder materials, along with hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) as a water-repelling agent. By varying the ratios of these components, we investigated the effects on film properties. Our characterization included assessing moisture uptake and tensile properties. The results revealed that the practical BSG content in the films was 20−60 wt%. Films with this composition exhibited a balance between moisture absorption and mechanical strength. The addition of glycerol improved the flexibility and toughness of the films, while HMMM reduced moisture absorption, enhancing their water resistance. This study contributes to the development of sustainable materials by showcasing the potential of upcycling BSG into valuable biodegradable films. By transforming food waste into useful applications, we reduce environmental burdens and promote a circular economy. Further research is warranted to explore the potential applications and optimize the properties of BSG-based composites.
Keywords
biodegradable composite film, brewers’ spent grain, food waste, glycerol, hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM), mechanical properties, moisture uptake, mulch film, poly(vinyl alcohol), tensile tests, universal test machine, waste upcycling
Suggested Citation
Lin L, Mirkin S, Park HE. Biodegradable Composite Film of Brewers’ Spent Grain and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol). (2023). LAPSE:2023.36757
Author Affiliations
Lin L: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Mirkin S: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Park HE: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand [ORCID]
Journal Name
Processes
Volume
11
Issue
8
First Page
2400
Year
2023
Publication Date
2023-08-09
Published Version
ISSN
2227-9717
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: pr11082400, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2023.36757
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doi:10.3390/pr11082400
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Sep 21, 2023
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CC BY 4.0
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[v1] (Original Submission)
Sep 21, 2023
 
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Sep 21, 2023
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https://psecommunity.org/LAPSE:2023.36757
 
Original Submitter
Calvin Tsay
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