Review of Green Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Recently, attention has been drawn to the use of bio-reinforced composites in automotive, construction, packaging and medical applications due to increased concern for environmental sustainability. Green polymer nanocomposites show unique properties of combining the advantages of natural fillers and organic polymers. Plant fibers are found suitable to reinforce polymers. They have relatively high strength and stiffness, low cost of acquisition, low density and produce low CO 2 emission. They are also biodegradable and are annually renewable compared to other fibrous materials. Organic polymers on the other hand, are desirable because they are either recyclable or biodegradable without causing environmental hazards. This paper reviews current research efforts, techniques of production, trends, challenges and prospects in the field of green nanocomposites.

Electrospun polylactic acid-chitosan composite: a bio-based alternative for inorganic composites for advanced application

“…Natural polymers, particularly cellulose, chitin, starch etc., are environmental friendly, biodegradable and sustainable and can be disposed of or composted easily without harming the environment [1,2]. Due to these attractive properties, these natural polymers are driving modern industrial economies and have been widely used in pharmaceuticals, construction, adhesives, food, food packaging, beverage industries, cosmetics, toiletries, paint and ink industries [3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Preparation and Characterization of Hybrid Nanocomposites for Dental Applications

“…Acrylic materials, including PMMA, can be used both independently and in a system with different fillers to form composites or nanocomposites if at least one of the dimensions of the filler reinforcing phase does not exceed 100 nm [4][5][6][7]. The composition of the composite should contain up to 30% of the filler in the entire volume of the finished product.…”

The use of amylose‐rich starch nanoparticles in emulsion polymerization

“…Starch is among the most common industrially used, solely bio‐based, materials due to its abundance, sustainability, and low cost . It can also impart beneficial properties such as increases in tensile strength, Young's modulus, oxygen barrier properties, biodegradability, water swelling capacity, and compatibility with certain substrates for film formation. Starch contains two hydrophilic naturally occurring polysaccharides with the repeat unit (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n (Figure ), linear amylose and branched amylopectin .…”