Biopolymer composites: a review

Abstract

In spite of the fact that a prodigious portion of petroleum covers multitudinous products in the commercial world, its nonbiodegradable characteristic is an unenviable factor. The utilization of biodegradable polymers or biopolymers is a prominent alternative to petroleum-based plastic products. Reinforcing natural fibers to biopolymer matrices significantly improves the properties of prepared plastic products. Such biopolymer composites have been developed by researchers to provide environmentally responsible materials and thereby reduce carbon footprint. Modification or functionalization of natural fibers is important to ameliorate the interfacial bonding with biopolymers, and to successfully obtain high-performance composite materials that can compete with conventional petrochemical-based polymer composite counterparts. Another widely accepted composite development technique is by combining different types of fibers into a single matrix to develop highly valued hybrid composites. The review focuses on the extraction, processing and characterization of bio-based materials; natural fibers and biopolymers, and their synergistic application and future scope as biopolymer composites in automotive and other growing sectors.

Recycling of Residual Polymers Reinforced with Natural Fibers as a Sustainable Alternative: A Review

“…Natural fibers when used as reinforcements in biocomposites, in addition to representing environmental benefits, reduction in energy consumption, insulation properties and acoustic absorption [53,54], also have essential mechanical properties, as evidenced in Table 3, with average variations ranging from 1.25-1.5 g/cm 3 for density, 320-520 Mpa for tensile strength, 22-48 Gpa for tensile modulus, and 7-25% for elongation before break; additionally, the investigations of Nurazzi et al [10], Nagaraj et al [55], and others related flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling, and water absorption as important properties when evaluating them as polymeric reinforcements. The mechanical properties in natural fibers are lower than in synthetic fibers; they can be improved or equalized by surface modification techniques [1] (as presented below), in addition to the low density, which is one of the properties that makes them more attractive for different purposes and engineering applications, such as in construction, aeronautics, and automobiles [64,65]. On the other hand, it should be noted that the resistance of the fiber depends on the load imposed on the fiber, the weight ratio of the fiber, the cultivation process, the manufacturing or modification process, and the manufacturing methods of the reinforced polymeric matrices [66].…”

“…Acetylation is another method of chemical transformation known to modify the surface of natural fibers and make them more hydrophobic, which consists of a substitution reaction of the hydroxyl ions − OH of the polymer by acetyl (CH 3 OH), exhibiting a more adhesive behavior within the polymeric matrix. There are few investigations of this treatment; authors such as Aaliya et al [1] and Gowthaman et al [43] mentioned that it improves the dimensional stability of the compounds and imparts a rough surface with fewer voids, providing a strong mechanical enclave with the reinforced polymers.…”

“…The use of more efficient biocomposites made from natural fibers and residual polymers in order to replace synthetic reinforcements has become a globally accepted alternative in various applications [1][2][3], due to their multiple advantages in some physical propertiesmechanical and thermal [4][5][6][7]-added to the ecological contribution conferred by the use of residual materials with good yields.…”

Life cycle analysis for green composites: A review of literature including considerations for local and global agricultural use

“…For composite durability, composites manufactured with hydrophilic biopolymers like cellulose and starch absorbed more moisture compared to composites prepared with hydrophobic biopolymers like PHB and PHBV (both types of PHAs). 84 On account of the different benefits and attributes available across their numerous varieties, biopolymer matrices for composites should primarily be chosen based on application-specific criteria.…”

Use of Filled Bioplastics in Construction

“…Their technology is based on the hydrolytic destruction of plant materials [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. This process is carried out by the catalytic conversion of natural wood polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose) into monosaccharides, which are then used to produce a number of high-value products [15][16][17][18][19]. The content of polysaccharides in plant materials reaches 55-75%.…”