Author(s):
1. Dajana Janjusevic, Faculty of Agriculture University of Beograd, Serbia
2. Dejana Savić, Prirodno-matematički fakultet Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Milica Balaban, Prirodno-matematički fakultet Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Vesna Antić, Univerzitet u Beogradu, Poljoprivredni fakultet, Serbia

Abstract:
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with brewer's spent grain (BSG) represent a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic materials. This study investigates the influence of BSG particle size and filler content on the thermal properties of PLA/BSG biocomposites. Thermal characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the incorporation of BSG promoted PLA crystallization, with the composite containing 10 wt.% BSG exhibiting the highest degree of crystallinity. A slight decrease in thermal stability was observed with increasing filler content, while the thermal degradation mechanism of PLA remained unchanged. The obtained results indicate that the thermal properties of PLA/BSG biocomposites can be tailored by appropriate selection of BSG particle size and filler content, confirming their potential as sustainable engineering materials.

Key words:
poly(lactic acid) brewer's spent grain,biocomposites,thermal properties,differential scanning calorimetry,thermogravimetric analysis

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM D - Environmental and sustainable materials

Date of abstract submission:
30.07.2026.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2026 - Savremeni Materijali