Biocomposites of Cellulose Isolated from Coffee Processing By-Products and Incorporation in Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) Matrix: An Overview

Abstract

With its extensive production and consumption, the coffee industry generates significant amounts of lignocellulosic waste. This waste, primarily comprising coffee biomasses, is a potential source of cellulose. This cellulose can be extracted and utilized as a reinforcing agent in various biocomposites with polymer matrices, thereby creating high-value products. One such biodegradable polymer, Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), is notable for its properties that are comparable with low-density polyethylene, making it an excellent candidate for packaging applications. However, the wider adoption of PBAT is hindered by its relatively high cost and lower thermomechanical properties compared with conventional, non-biodegradable polymers. By reinforcing PBAT-based biocomposites with cellulose, it is possible to enhance their thermomechanical strength, as well as improve their water vapor and oxygen barrier capabilities, surpassing those of pure PBAT. Consequently, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the latest processing techniques for deriving cellulose from the coffee industry’s lignocellulosic by-products and other coffee-related agro-industrial wastes. It also focuses on the preparation and characterization of cellulose-reinforced PBAT biocomposites.