About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
2026 Technical Division Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPU-2: Polylactic Acid Paper-Fiber Reinforced Biodegradable Composite for Single-Use Food Applications |
| Author(s) |
Callie Jee, Matthew Valderrama, David Harper, David Keffer |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Callie Jee |
| Abstract Scope |
Nondegradable plastics are a main factor contributing to climate change and environmental pollution. Microplastics, in particular, are becoming a concern with many negative health risks. Pulp fibers are abundant, biodegradable, and when combined with PLA, show promise for a 100% bio-based, moldable material that is compostable and can replace many thermoplastics. This study investigates the potential pulp fiber - PLA composites for molding applications, such as single-use food-packaging. Market soft-wood pulp was prepared using a hydropulper and mixed with processing additives. The effects on the freeness of differing percentages of processing additives were measured throughout. The paper fiber/PLA ratio and manufacturing parameters were optimized for vacuum assisted fiber molding and subsequent compression molding to assess the composite performance. Further testing, such as carbon dioxide release and water and grease resistance helps determine the composite's use for food applications. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Sustainability, Composites, Biomaterials |