Mechanical and Physical Properties of PLA Biocomposites Reinforced With Hybrid Fiber From Cocoa Pod Husk and Dragon Fruit Root for Flexible Packaging

ABSTRACT The use of natural waste materials as reinforcement in biocomposites is an emerging area of research, particularly in the development of advanced materials. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) and dragon fruit root (DFR) fibers are promising candidates for reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. PLA biocomposite films were prepared using the solvent casting method, incorporating CPH and DFR hybrid fibers. The highest tensile strength was observed at 6% fiber content, reaching 18.30 MPa. The addition of fibers improved the thermal stability of the biocomposites, with the highest stability achieved at 6% hybrid fiber for 344°C. Additionally, the crystallinity of the biocomposite increased with the addition of fibers, and the biocomposites demonstrated biodegradation in soil within 15 days, with a 6.4% weight loss. The presence of CPH‐DFR hybrid fibers also enhanced the biodegradation rate. This study demonstrates the potential of CPH‐DFR reinforced PLA biocomposites for use in green flexible packaging applications.