Electrospun biopolymer blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxybutyrate) reinforced with biochar derived from kitchen waste

Biodegradable composites reinforced with natural fillers are exciting alternatives to expensive biodegradable polymers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of kitchen waste–derived biochar on the morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of electrospun fibrous mats from a blend of biodegradable polymers poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxybutyrate). The electrospun neat PLA/PHB mats and mats with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt.% content of kitchen waste-derived biochar were produced. The techniques of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and different scanning calorimetry and tensile tests were used for the fundamental characterization of the produced electrospun mats. The results indicate that adding biochar to PLA/PHB does not significantly affect the properties of electrospun materials. This may be advantageous for packaging, filtration, or agriculture applications.