Production and Characterization of Biodegradable Packaging Composites from Recycled Expanded Polystyrene Filled with Groundnut Shell Cassava Peel Powders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i5.268Keywords:
Biodegradable Packaging Material, Recycled Polystyrene, Cassava Peel Powder, Groundnut Shell Powder, Agro-waste filler, Packaging materialAbstract
This study reports the production and characterization of biodegradable packaging materials made from recycled expanded polystyrene (REPS) filled with alkali-treated groundnut shell powder (GNSP) and cassava peel powder (CPP) as a green alternative to conventional Styrofoam, which are usually disposed in landfills or burnt in incinerator, resulting in material loss, emission of toxic and carcinogenic substances into the atmosphere, harming the environment and human life. Composite samples (A-E) were formulated with a fixed REPS, GNSP and varying CPP content, compounded on a two-roll mill and formed by compression moulding. The composites were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and evaluated for tensile, impact, hardness, flexural, density, water absorption, and soil-burial biodegradability properties. TGA showed a multi-stage thermal decomposition profile for all composite specimens compared with the single-stage profile of the control, denoting reduced thermal stability with increasing filler content. SEM revealed homogeneous filler distribution at intermediate loading (Sample B) and agglomeration with crack formation at higher loading (Sample E). FTIR confirmed hydroxyl and carbonyl groups associated with the natural fillers. Tensile properties improved initially in Sample A (27.66 MPa), with Sample B recording the highest tensile strength (29.22 MPa), while Sample C gave the highest impact strength (0.183 J/mm) and flexural modulus (2686.93 MPa), after which performance declined at higher loadings. Density and hardness decreased, while water absorption increased, with increasing filler content. Biodegradation tests after 63 days showed progressive weight loss from the control to Sample E, with Sample C recording the highest weight loss (0.705%), confirming that natural fillers render the composites more susceptible to microbial attack and thereby enhance biodegradability.
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