Enhancing sustainability and biodegradability of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composite filaments reinforced with cocoa bean shell residues

Abstract In this research, we have successfully produced biodegradable composite filaments using Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and cocoa bean shell residues (CBS). These composite filaments, fabricated by incorporating up to 20 wt% of the natural filler into the PBS matrix through extrusion processing, have undergone rigorous rheological, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and soil disintegration characterizations. The results have unveiled the potential of printing biodegradable biocomposite filaments, with the materials demonstrating thermal stability in the printing process temperature range. However, a reduction in thermal stability was observed with the incorporation of the natural filler. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses indicated a small crystallinity variation for the composites concerning the pure PBS matrix. Furthermore, incorporating the natural filler improved the disintegration rate in the composites' soil, suggesting that CBS can increase and modulate the biodegradation rate of the PBS matrix, thereby expanding its applications in sustainable packaging, 3D printed parts for consumer goods, and agriculture. Highlights Sustainable innovation by using PBS‐CBS filaments for eco‐conscious production. CBS boosts biodegradation and soil disintegration. Shaping a greener future with eco‐friendly 3D printing of PBS‐CBS biocomposites.