Fiber Reinforced Biopolymer Composites: A Review

Abstract

Even though the use of petroleum products is quite prevalent but their non-biodegradability is a great cause of concern. In recent decades, stupendous research in the field of bio-degradable material has been carried out from which biodegradable polymers or biopolymers are come out as a popular substitute for petroleum-based plastics. However, these biopolymers possess average mechanical properties, so they need to be reinforced with some stuff that is bio-degradable such that their addition maintains their bio-degradability and enhances the mechanical properties. Even though the reinforcement of natural fiber improves the physical and mechanical properties however various modifications in the fiber it needs to be done to improve the fiber-matrix bonding so as to increase its competence against non-biodegradable products such as petrochemical-based polymer composite. Also, it has been reported that various type of fiber has been reinforced simultaneously in a single matrix to produce a superior hybrid bio-degradable composite. The various studies have been focused on the characterization and processing of bio-based materials, as well as their synergistic application and future potential as biopolymer composites in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Bagasse fiber reinforced chemically functionalized polystyrene composites

“…Fiber reinforced polymer bio-composites have been reviewed recently, this year. 3 Although bio and biodegradable polymers are the most suitable, however, thermoplastics are also being used as matrix for composites reinforced with natural fibers in place of inorganic and synthetic fibers. Hybrid polymer composites with two reinforcements, both fibers or one fiber, and another particle have also been investigated, including one or all natural reinforcements.…”