Renewed interest in biopolymer composites: incorporation of renewable, plant-sourced fibers

Abstract

Fully-renewable green composites are accessible when natural fibers are dispersed in a non-petroleum sourced polymeric matrix, which show promise for more sustainable composite materials and demand further research to expand their use.

Biopolymer nanocomposite blends of poly(lactic acid) and polyhydroxybutyrate biopolymers reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils at low loading ratio

“…Biopolymer based materials have been drawn attention due to many benefits on the environment, and therefore; the usage and demand for biopolymers are increasing day after day. In recent years, many biopolymers including PLA and PHB have been developed as the new generation materials in both the academic and industrial area 3–5 . There has been a need to develop biodegradable polymers and sustainable new generation materials, products and processes from renewable sources due to concerns, such as plastics remaining in the environment for a long time and decreasing oil resource.…”

“…However, the mechanical properties of the blends generally decrease because of PLA and PHB are not miscible. Therefore, the blends are reinforced to provide more strength and thermal stability with several natural fillers including cellulosic materials, plant fibers, and bio‐based particles 5,13–15 . PHB/PLA blends and their composites are of interest to both academia and industry.…”

“…Therefore, the blends are reinforced to provide more strength and thermal stability with several natural fillers including cellulosic materials, plant fibers, and bio-based particles. 5,[13][14][15] PHB/PLA blends and their composites are of interest to both academia and industry. Hence, some scientific studies have conducted to boost the PLA/PHB blends' thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties.…”