Bio‐Polypropylene and Polypropylene‐based Biocomposites: Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) is among the most widely used commodity plastics in our everyday life due to its low cost, lightweight, easy processability, and exceptional chemical, thermo-mechanical characteristics. The growing awareness on energy and environmental crisis has driven global efforts for creating a circular economy via developing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics produced from fossil fuels for a variety of end-use applications. This review paper presents a brief outline of the emerging biobased PP derived from renewable natural resources, covering its production routes, market analysis and potential utiliza-tions. This contribution also provides a comprehensive review of the PP-based biocomposites produced with diverse green fillers generated from agro-industrial wastes, with particular emphasis on the structural modification, processing techniques, mechanical properties, and practical applications. Furthermore, given that the majority of PP products are currently destined for landfills, research progress on enhancing the degradation of PP and its biocomposites is also presented in light of the environmental concerns. Finally, a brief conclusion with discussions on challenges and future perspectives are provided.

Stimuli-responsive structure–property switchable polymer materials

“…As representative polymers, 29,30 photo-responsive polymers are polymers that are able to respond to light and hence lead to a reversible change in either conformations or chemical structures. They have a variety of potential applications ranging from drug delivery to actuators and self-healing materials.…”

Engineering Polypropylene–Calcium Sulfate (Anhydrite II) Composites: The Key Role of Zinc Ionomers via Reactive Extrusion

“…Nowadays, the global markets of PP are showing outstanding growth, driven by technological progress and an increase in the number of applications. This is due to the low density of PP, its good chemical resistance, and the related thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the PP-based products, as well as their excellent processability and recyclability [ 5 , 6 ]. Moreover, in many engineering applications, metals have been extensively replaced by PP-based materials to achieve weight reductions, low energy/fuel consumption, and cost savings [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Moreover, in many engineering applications, metals have been extensively replaced by PP-based materials to achieve weight reductions, low energy/fuel consumption, and cost savings [ 7 , 8 ]. Still, regarding the current development status of PP, it is important to mention the announcement of the production of bio-based PP made from eco-friendly building blocks derived from natural resources [ 6 ]. Taking as one key example the use of PP in the automotive sector, a non-exhaustive list of applications includes various interior and exterior components: pillars, consoles, armrests, air cleaner bodies, carpet fibers, dashboard components, flexible bumpers with high impact resistance, engine fans, wheel covers, instrumental panels and door trims, radiator headers, heater baffles and housings, tanks, electrical parts, battery boxes, etc.…”

Sustainable Mycelium-Bound Biocomposites: Design Strategies, Materials Properties, and Emerging Applications

“…3 This is because their start-of-life and end-of-life carbon is nonrenewable, and thus they linger in the environment for many years. 4 For instance, natural rubber has, over time, been replaced by synthetic rubber, which is not only derived from crude oil but also is nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable, and endangers the environment by releasing toxic chemicals. 5 Besides the discoveries arising from shortages, there has been an urgent need to prioritize the decarbonization of economies, thereby necessitating inventions of low-carbon materials to meet the demands.…”

“…However, these newly discovered materials are mostly synthetic or man-made; after their useful life, they become a menace due to unsustainable end-of-life options . This is because their start-of-life and end-of-life carbon is nonrenewable, and thus they linger in the environment for many years . For instance, natural rubber has, over time, been replaced by synthetic rubber, which is not only derived from crude oil but also is nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable, and endangers the environment by releasing toxic chemicals .…”