Making Disposal Cups from Upcycled Spent Coffee Grounds
Project Description
This project aims to develop innovative sustainable paper by upcycling spent coffee grounds (SCG), and transform it into disposable cups with a water retention layer.
Supervisor
LIU Yuanshuai
Quota
3
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
Students will prepare spent coffee grounds (drying, pulping), formulate and produce paper prototypes by varying pulp ratios (~30-50% SCG, binders), apply water retention coatings, optimize processing techniques (pulping, forming, drying, coating), conduct mechanical strength tests (tensile, heat deformation, leakage), assess basic performance profiles, and analyze results to improve strength, impermeability, process efficiency, and sustainability.
This hands-on work will build skills in material formulation, experimental design, and upcycling for circular economy applications.
This hands-on work will build skills in material formulation, experimental design, and upcycling for circular economy applications.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
Optimize paper production for strength and uniformity (e.g., pulping, pressing, drying).
Apply effective water retention layers to prevent leakage.
Evaluate mechanical properties (tensile strength, heat resistance, deformation under hot liquids).
Assess sustainability (waste reduction, biodegradability) and performance (leakage, durability).
Design improved processes (e.g., efficient pulping, coating application).
Apply effective water retention layers to prevent leakage.
Evaluate mechanical properties (tensile strength, heat resistance, deformation under hot liquids).
Assess sustainability (waste reduction, biodegradability) and performance (leakage, durability).
Design improved processes (e.g., efficient pulping, coating application).
Complexity of the project
Moderate