Harnessing Marine and Agro-Waste Resources: Bioengineered Seaweed Polysaccharide–Coconut Films for Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 04 | Page : 217-227
    By

    N.Ravi Kumar,

  • R.Suthan,

  • A. Srithar,

  • M.Chitra,

  • M.Meena,

  • B. Uma Maheswari,

  • Nellore Manoj Kumar,

  • Prashant Sunagar,

  • T.S.Shanthi,

  1. Professor, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Deemed to be University, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Chellammal Women’s College, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Professor, Department of Chemistry, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and Research Centre, Maharashtra, India
  9. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, S.A.V Sahaya Thai Arts and Science (Women) College, Vadakkankulam, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

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The increasing demand for biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has led to significant interest in marine biopolymer-based packaging materials. This study focuses on the development of eco-friendly biocomposite films by reinforcing carrageenan, extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii, with alkali-treated coconut at varying loadings (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w). The films were fabricated via solvent casting and subjected to comprehensive characterization. Mechanical analysis revealed substantial enhancement in tensile strength from 21.3 MPa (neat film) to 34.8 MPa (15% ), while Young’s modulus increased from 480 MPa to 910 MPa. Thermal stability, evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, showed a rise in onset degradation from 201 °C to 232 °C due to higher content. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) improved notably, decreasing from 196 to 121 g/m²·day, indicating enhanced barrier properties due to -induced tortuosity. The soil burial tests demonstrated biodegradation of up to 91% in neat films and 85% in reinforced composites over 45 days, confirming compostability. The integration of coconut not only enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier performance but also retained high biodegradability, making these composites suitable for dry food packaging. These findings support the potential of seaweed–coconut composites as scalable, sustainable materials aligned with circular economy and green packaging standards.

Keywords: Biodegradable packaging, seaweed polysaccharide, coconut composite, mechanical and thermal properties, water vapour barrier.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
N.Ravi Kumar, R.Suthan, A. Srithar, M.Chitra, M.Meena, B. Uma Maheswari, Nellore Manoj Kumar, Prashant Sunagar, T.S.Shanthi. Harnessing Marine and Agro-Waste Resources: Bioengineered Seaweed Polysaccharide–Coconut Films for Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):217-227.
How to cite this URL:
N.Ravi Kumar, R.Suthan, A. Srithar, M.Chitra, M.Meena, B. Uma Maheswari, Nellore Manoj Kumar, Prashant Sunagar, T.S.Shanthi. Harnessing Marine and Agro-Waste Resources: Bioengineered Seaweed Polysaccharide–Coconut Films for Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):217-227. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=0


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 04
Received 11/06/2025
Accepted 19/06/2025
Published 17/07/2025
Publication Time 36 Days
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