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North Central Using Spent Coffee Grounds to Make Biodegradable Films

JSHS · 2024

Anika Hooda, Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy · Brookings High School, Brookings, SD

Overview

There is an immediate need to develop biodegradable alternatives to tackle the growing global problem of plastic waste. This research uses lignocellulosic material extracted from spent coffee grounds (SCG) to create environment-friendly packaging films. Films were prepared by dissolving the SCG extract (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 g) in ZnCl 2 solution (68%) and crosslinking with calcium ions (400 mM). They were characterized for moisture content, color, thickness, water solubility, water absorption, water vapor permeability, UV transmittance, tensile strength, elongation at break, and soil biodegradability. The SCG films are strong, and tensile strength increases with the amount of extract. They effectively block UV light and biodegrade within 15 days at 24% soil moisture. The outcome represents a significant step towards addressing the global plastic waste crisis and transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions.

Competition history

  • JSHS 2024 Category not listed

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Source: Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

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