Estudo da aplicabilidade de borra de café em polímeros: uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática

Abstract

The growing concern about the environmental impacts caused by the use of conventional plastics has driven the development of sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics. Produced from renewable sources and organic waste, these materials offer biodegradability, good technical performance, and alignment with the principles of the circular economy, the 2030 Agenda, and ESG (Environmental and Social Governance) guidelines. Rich in cellulose, lignin, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins, coffee grounds represent a residue with high potential for industrial reuse. Studies indicate that they can be transformed into biopolymers such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) through chemical or fermentative processes, improving the thermal and mechanical properties of composites. The research was based on recent scientific articles and patents, seeking to gather theoretical references on biodegradable polymers and their relevant properties, identify in the literature the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of coffee grounds, and evaluate their impact on polymeric composites. The results show that coffee grounds, especially when treated by acetylation, enhance thermal stability and accelerate the biodegradation of composites such as poly(ε-caprolactone), making them more suitable for practical and sustainable applications. Coffee grounds can be integrated into polymer matrices, contributing to the development of innovative and environmentally responsible materials. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the application of spent coffee grounds as a raw material in polymers. Given the projected global growth in the production of biodegradable bioplastics and the leadership of the packaging sector, it is concluded that the incorporation of coffee grounds into polymeric compounds is both viable and promising. Its implementation depends on multidisciplinary efforts, investments in research, and public policies that encourage sustainable innovation and the valorization of agro-industrial waste.