| ABSTRACT |
The present invention discloses a biodegradable biocomposite fruit protective cover
reinforced with agricultural by products and a method for producing the same. The
cover comprises a biodegradable starch based matrix reinforced with coconut husk
derived material and spent coffee grounds, with botanical oil, preferably citronella oil,
as an additional functional component. The coconut husk derived material provides
lignocellulosic reinforcement and structural support, while spent coffee grounds
contribute a dark particulate phase that helps reduce direct light transmission. The
biocomposite is produced by preparing the starch based matrix and agricultural by
products, adding botanical oil, mixing to form a homogeneous slurry, casting or shaping
into a sheet, drying, and forming the material into a fruit protective cover. Figure 1
illustrates the overall production process. The cover is intended for pre harvest fruit
protection and provides a biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum derived
fruit covers.
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