Multicomponent Polymer Composite/Nanocomposite Systems Using Polymer Matrices from Sustainable Renewable Sources

Abstract

Green composites are increasingly promoted for sustainable development considering the growing awareness of environmental and waste management issues. Recent advances in natural fiber development, and nanocomposites research area generate significant opportunities for obtaining materials from renewable resources with improved properties and suitable for different applications. Green composites are made from both renewable resource-based polymers (biopolymers) and bio-fillers (including nano-type fillers), with a positive environmental impact. Green composites based on biopolymer matrix (plasticized starch) have been obtained by combination with various bio-fillers (beech wood sawdust, fir tree needles, beech wood lignin). Their structure and properties were further investigated through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TG/DTG/DTA simultaneous thermal analysis methods, as well as by water uptake and opacity measurements. The results are presented in this chapter.

Green Nanocomposites Based on Thermoplastic Starch: A Review

“…As the second step, and to obtain CNC, mechanical stress is required [76]. Some of the main key advantages of CNC include its easy combustion recyclability, low manufacturing energy, high availability, low density, non-abrasive nature (easy processability), and low cost [85]. From Table 2, we can deduce that the content of CNC on the TPS-based nanocomposites is similar to the employed in CNF, between 1 and 30%.…”

“…Native starch is a renewable natural resource, which can be extracted from different parts of the plants, such as seeds, fruits, leaves, tubers, and roots. It may come from a variety of vegetables and greens [ 56 ], including potato [ 34 , 46 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ], cassava [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ], maize [ 28 , 38 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ], wheat [ 58 ], pea [ 5 , 45 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ], tapioca [ 2 , 81 , 82 ], corn [ 33 , 35 , 36 , 43 , 47 , 48 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 ], pomegranate [ 90 ], sweet potato [ 53 ], and avocado [ 91 , 92 , 93 ]. Figure 2 shows the world production of some of the mentioned sources, which ...…”

“…As the second step, and to obtain CNC, mechanical stress is required [ 76 ]. Some of the main key advantages of CNC include its easy combustion recyclability, low manufacturing energy, high availability, low density, non-abrasive nature (easy processability), and low cost [ 85 ].…”

“…Native starch is a renewable natural resource, which can be extracted from different parts of the plants, such as seeds, fruits, leaves, tubers, and roots. It may come from a variety of vegetables and greens [56], including potato [34,46,[59][60][61][62][63][64], cassava [65][66][67][68][69][70][71], maize [28,38,[72][73][74][75][76], wheat [58], pea [5,45,[77][78][79][80], tapioca [2,81,82], corn [33,35,36,43,47,48,[83][84][85][86][87][88][89], pomegranate [90], sweet potato [53], and avocado [91]…”

Ultrafine Friction Grinding of Lignin for Development of Starch Biocomposite Films

“…Starch films have been reinforced with 3–10% of lignin recovered from softwood [ 8 , 9 ], hard wood [ 10 , 11 ], and wheat straw [ 12 ]. Starch lignin films are produced by mixing of an aqueous solution of starch with lignin solution using casting method [ 13 ].…”