Biopolymers and Bioplastics

Bio-fibers and Composite Materials

The utilization and dependence on bio-fibers have increased in recent years. Biofibers are classified into lignocellulosic fibers, bacterial cellulose and nanocellulose. Green biocomposites can be manufactured from both biobased fibres and polymers. Polymer and biofiber composites are emerging as an effective material, however there is always incompatability between hydrophilic biofibers and hydrophobic polymer matrix could cause performance issues in of the composites. Biofibers are modified in order to improve the performance of the biocomposites. Grafting Co-polymerization is an effective method to achieve this. Also, polymerization techniques such as ring opening polymerization, grafting the materials via coupling agent and free radical induced grafting. The properties such as mechanical, thermal and water resistance have bestowed grafted biocomposites with possibilities for new applications in industries.

• Structure and mechanical properties of silk sericin
• Novel cellulose-collagen blend biofibers
• Biofibers from spider silk
• Hybrid biofibers wet-spun from nanochitin hydrogels
• Renewable cellulose nanofibrils
• Polylactide-based renewable green composites
• Natural rubber biocomposites reinforced by bio-fiber
• Chitosan-nanobiochar composite
• Resin-based composites
• Polymer Composite Beads for Selective Heavy Metals Removal
• Geopolymer Matrix Composites