DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLA/BULGUR BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITES FOR LIQUID SPILL MITIGATION APPLICATIONS

This study investigates the development and characterization of composite films composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and Bulgur, with potential applications for liquid spill mitigation on road surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to analyze the chemical structures of the composites, revealing changes in functional group vibrations as the Bulgur content increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the morphological evolution, showing increased porosity and phase separation at higher Bulgur concentrations. Fluid absorption tests demonstrated that while pure PLA exhibited low water absorption, the incorporation of Bulgur significantly enhanced the composite’s hydrophilic properties, particularly in a 70:30 PLA/Bulgur ratio. The results suggest that PLA/Bulgur composites, with their biodegradable and environmentally-safe nature, offer an effective solution for mitigating liquid spills, with a balance between water absorption and mechanical integrity.