Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

Bio Based Composites for Engineering Application and Sustainability Perspectives

Nasmi Herlina Sari; Muhammad Nabil Fadhlurrohman Rivlan — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Type of the Paper: Editorial Corner

Variation of Tea Waste Addition on Bacterial Cellulose Production from Kombucha Fermented Sago Liquid Waste

Fadla Binti Syarif, Deivy Andhika Permata, Ira Desri Rahmi — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Sago liquid waste contains high levels of carbohydrates and has potential as a fermentation medium for bacterial cellulose production. However, its nutritional content requires enhancement by supplementing it with tea waste to achieve optimal yields. This study investigated the effect of varying tea waste additions on the characteristics of bacterial cellulose produced from kombucha fermentation based on sago liquid waste. The research method used a completely randomized design with five treatments (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g of tea dregs) and three replications. The observed parameters included yield, thickness, moisture content, cellulose content, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that increasing tea waste levels significantly affected all parameters (p < 0.05). The best treatment (10 g) resulted in a yield of 18.21%, a thickness of 13.47 mm, a moisture content of 47.57%, and a cellulose content of 52.43%. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the characteristic peaks of bacterial cellulose, indicating the presence of crystalline β-1,4-glucan structures. The identification of cellulose type I is significant because it represents the native crystalline form of bacterial cellulose, which is associated with high mechanical stability, strong hydrogen bonding, and potential suitability for biopolymer applications. This study demonstrates that tea waste is an effective nutrient supplement that enhances the quality and quantity of bacterial cellulose derived from kombucha fermentation of sago liquid waste.

Enhancement of Aluminum-Air Battery Performance Using Rice Husk-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots and Carbon Nanotubes

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The development of sustainable, high-performance energy storage systems is crucial for addressing the challenges associated with renewable energy integration and the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries. This study investigated the potential of an innovative electrolyte membrane for aluminum-air batteries, incorporating carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from rice husk charcoal and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. CQDs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted technique, and CNTs were added to enhance the structural and conductive properties of the membranes. Three distinct membrane compositions were prepared: a base solution of PVA, HCl, and glycerol; a base solution with CQDs; and a base solution with CQDs and CNTs. Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed enhanced intermolecular interactions and successful integration of the carbon nanomaterials within the polymer network. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated a reduction in crystallite size from 11.27 nm (base membrane) to 9.65 nm (–14.36%) with CQDs and further to 8.29 nm (–26.47%) with CQDs + CNTs, suggesting improved amorphous characteristics that reinforce the membrane structure and facilitate ionic conductivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) demonstrated an increase in ionic conductivity from 4.98501 mS/cm (base membrane) to 5.51837 mS/cm with CQDs and 6.35292 mS/cm (+27.4%) with CQDs + CNTs. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of CQDs and CNTs in optimizing the ion migration pathways and charge transport within the electrolyte membrane. The utilization of rice husk charcoal as a precursor for CQDs aligns with sustainable practices and promotes the use of renewable resources. This study presents a promising approach for the development of advanced electrolyte membranes for aluminum-air batteries, contributing to efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective energy storage solutions.

Mechanical Characteristics of Stearic Acid Addition in Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Cassava Starch Bioplastic Blends

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to determine the effect of adding stearic acid (SA) to a bioplastic mixture of cassava starch (CS) and polylactic acid (PLA). The bioplastic was produced using a solvent casting method. The addition of SA can affect the mechanical properties of the film. The maximum tensile strength of the film increased from 5.12 MPa (without SA) to 7.61 MPa (5% SA). The same trend also applies to the Young's modulus and elongation at break, which increased from 25.45 MPa and 20.17% to 35.02 MPa and 21.64% after the addition of 5% SA. This improvement in mechanical properties is supported by the compatibility of PLA and CS due to the optimal presence of SA. These findings prove that SA is an effective compatibilizer in improving the mechanical properties of PLA and CS-based bioplastics. The resulting film products have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly packaging materials that are competitive with synthetic materials such as Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

Assessment of Particle Size on the Physico-mechanical Behavior of Waste Low-Density Polyethylene/Delonix regia Seed Composite

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The excessive and widespread usage of single-use plastics has led to a growing concern over the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in natural environments, posing a serious threat to global ecosystems. Incorporating agricultural residues into polymer composites as reinforcements presents a sustainable alternative, offering benefits such as low cost, ease of processing, reduced environmental impact, lightweight characteristics, and biodegradability. This research investigates how the particle size of Delonix regia (D.regia) seed waste influences the physico-mechanical properties of a composite made from waste low density polyethylene (wLDPE). The study found that increasing the particle size of the filler led to a gradual reduction in tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and density of the composite by 15.75 %, 75.93 %, 24.08 % and 14.08 % respectively. Conversely, larger filler particles enhanced the composite’s hardness and impact resistance by 56.16 % and 76.07 % respectively. Additionally, water absorption increased with particle size, with the highest uptake observed in composites containing the largest particles and lowest in composites containing smallest particles.