A method for the treatment of black tea waste: Converting it into liquid mulching film and solid mulching film

Abstract This work was aim to prepare biodegradable mulching film from biomass materials to reduce the environmental pollution caused by plastics. Black tea waste was divided into two parts and combined with degradable materials such as polyvinyl alcohol and cellulose to prepare two degradable mulching films: liquid mulching film (LMF) and solid mulching film (SMF). The optimum formula was developed after studying the effects of various components of degradable mulching film on mechanical properties in both dry and wet circumstances. The properties of LMF and SMF were characterized and tested by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), light transmittance test, contact angle test, water resistance test, artificial accelerated aging test, and degradation performance test. The results demonstrated that LMF and SMF had good mechanical properties, resistance to ultraviolet light, water resistance, aging resistance, and biodegradation. Using tea waste to prepare mulching film material has the advantages of no pollution, easy biodegradation, and good biocompatibility.