Biopolymers and Bioplastics

Biopolymers and Biocomposites

Biopolymers consist of naturally synthesized polymers and chemical modifications of these polymers. Some of the most abundant materials include starch, cellulose, lignin, chitin and various polysaccharides. These materials are made up of linked units called monomers. In their polymeric state they offer a variety of useful properties that include biodegradabitity and biocompatibility. Unlike synthetic polymers, bio-based polymers can be produced from sustainable feedstocks and can be used for medical application or within biological systems. Biopolymers are also easily biodegradable and therefore provide good eco-friendly and healthy environmental aspects.

Biocomposites are materials composed of two or more distinct materials of made up of biological origin. Several materials are used for the reinforcement of other materials including plant fibers, flax hemp, recycled wood or waste paper. Regenerated cellulose fibers also come under the definition of biocomposites, since they originate from a renewable resource, and so are natural ‘nano fibrils’ of chitin and cellulose. The matric used for these composites could be polymers and are ideally derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oil or starches. Glass reinforced synthetic resin matrices where the most useful discoveries, heavily used as light weight aerospace materials and thermal insulation. An increase in environmental and health concerns have demanded for more sustainable methods of manufacture and reduced energy consumption.

• Bio-inspired materials
• Polysaccharides food shelf-life extention
• Microbial cellulose for wound healing
• Biodegradable smart implants
• Natural and artificial chitosan
• Polylactide (PLA) research
• Extracellular biopolymeric flocculants
• Porous chitosan-silica hybrid microspheres
• Lignin-containing polymer materials
• Nanocomposite hydrogels.
• Calcium meta phosphate PVA bone-like biocomposites