The morphology, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of composite materials containing polylactide (PLA) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) were evaluated.
Maleic-anhydride-grafted polylactide (PLAg-MA) and treated, i.e. cross-linked, spent coffee grounds (TSCG) were used to enhance the desired characteristics of these composites.
PLA-g-MA/TSCG materials exhibited desirable mechanical properties relative to those of PLA/SCG.
This effect was attributed to greater compatibility between the grafted polymer and TSCG.