Advancements in Bioresource-based Polymers and Composites: Sustainable Alternatives to Non-biodegradable Plastics for a Greener Future: A Review

Natural Fiber Textile Composite Engineering sheds light on the area of the natural fiber textile composites with new research on their applications, the material used, the methods of preparation, the different types of polymers, the selection of raw materials, the elements of design the natural fiber textile polymer composites for a particular end use, their manufacturing techniques, and finally their life cycle assessments (LCA). The volume also addresses the important issue in the materials science of how to utilize natural fibers as an enhancement to composite materials. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been proven to provide a combination of superior mechanical property, dielectric property, and environmental advantages such as renewability and biodegradability. Natural fibers, some from agricultural waste products, can replace existing metallic and plastic parts and help to alleviate the environmental problem of increasing amounts of agriculture residual. The book is divided into four sections, covering: applications of natural fiber polymer composites design of natural fiber polymer composites composite manufacturing techniques and agriculture waste manufacturing composite material testing methods The first section of the book deals with the application of textile composites in the industry and the properties of the natural fibers, providing an understanding of the history of natural fiber composites as well as an analysis of the different properties of different natural fibers. The second section goes on to explain the textile composites, their classification, different composite manufacturing techniques, and the different pretreatment methods for the natural fibers to be used in composite formation. It also analyzes the composite material design under different types of loading and the mechanism of failure of the natural fiber composite. The effect of the fiber volume fraction of different textile structures is explained. The third section of the book, on composite manufacturing techniques and agriculture waste manufacturing, concerns the natural fiber composite manufacturing techniques, agricultural waste, and the methods of their preparation to be used successfully in the composite, either in the form of fibers particles or nanoparticles. The book then considers the testing methods of the different composite components as well as the final composite materials, giving the principle of the testing standards, either distractive or nondestructive. This book attempts to fill the gap between the role of the textile engineer and the role of the designer of composites from natural fibers. It provides important information on the application of textile composites for textile engineers, materials engineers, and researchers in the area of composite materials.

While bio-based composites (bio-based plastics reinforced with natural fibers) have been discussed as potential sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastic composites, there are few quantitative environmental impact assessments of these materials. This work presents comparisons of petroleum-based and bio-based plastics as well as their composites to (1) assess environmental impacts from plastics and composite production and (2) determine which environmental impacts can be mitigated through production of bio-based composites, based on current manufacturing methods. Environmental impact assessments were performed to determine the burdens associated with cradle-to-gate production of bio-based and petroleum-based plastics and their composites with wood flour (i.e., sawdust) filler. The scope of this work incorporated emissions from thermoplastic and wood flour production as well as pelletization, molding, and transportation processes. Environmental impacts were assessed for several impact categories using the US Environmental Protection Agency’s TRACI method. Using impacts quantified, as well as material property data from 36 sources in the literature, comparisons were drawn between composite types. Multiple functional units were used including a constant mass of material produced and two comparison methods normalizing environmental impacts by material properties. Uncertainty assessments were performed to determine environmental impact distributions for each plastic and wood fiber composite type. The production of bio-based plastics and their composites led to lower environmental impacts than petroleum-based plastics and composites in several impact categories: global warming potential, fossil fuel depletion, and certain human health impacts. However, the production of bio-based plastics and their composites also resulted in some higher environmental impacts, such as eutrophication. Bio-based composites are capable of possessing similar or improved mechanical properties to their petroleum-based counterparts. As such, normalized environmental impacts to material properties indicated that bio-based composites could lead to desirable combined mechanical and environmental attributes for certain applications. Considering the differences between environmental impact categories and uncertainties in environmental impact assessments, selection of constituents cannot be based solely on material feedstock to mitigate environmental impacts in wood fiber composites. Findings indicate that both environmental impact assessments and mechanical properties should be considered concurrently to effectively distinguish the benefits of selecting petroleum-based or bio-based plastics. This work shows that depending on the intended application, the selection of a bio-based feedstock could either be beneficial for mitigating certain environmental impacts, have little effect on impacts, or increase environmental impacts. These findings reveal the importance of considering property alteration and multiple effects of utilizing these resources.

This chapter proposes the utilization of agro-waste for the fabrication of bio composite and bio plastics. Agro waste is an efficient source for the fabrication of composite material. In the industrial, medical and agricultural sector, the natural fibres based reinforcement is gaining prominence. The natural fibres are classified based on the origin and can be categorized into plant, mineral and animal. The natural fibres have noteworthy gains over synthetic fibres. The composites and plastics based on naturally available resources are gaining importance due to the renewable and eco-friendly nature with the environment. India is blessed with a wide variety of plants and trees and the waste generated from nature when utilized properly paves a way towards sustainable development. This chapter focuses on the characteristics of some of the typical bio composites and bio plastics. The characteristics of bio composites and bio plastics depend on the treatment and process involved in the conversion of agro-waste. The applications of bio plastics and bio composites in various sectors are also highlighted in this work. The agro waste is one of the sources for the fabrication of bio composites and bio plastics and efficient utilization of agro-waste also generates rural empowerment towards a sustainable green circular economy. The agro waste based bio composites and bio plastics have significant environmental and economic benefits.

Bio-based polymer composites comprise polymers sourced from renewable biological origins like plants, algae, or bacteria, combined with reinforcing agents such as natural fibers or nanoparticles. They serve as eco-friendly substitutes for traditional petroleum-based plastics, lessening environmental concerns and lessening dependence on finite fossil resources. Employing bio-based polymers diminishes carbon footprint and decreases reliance on non-renewable materials, fostering a more circular and sustainable economy. Natural fibers like hemp, flax, or kenaf are commonly integrated as reinforcements due to their robustness and biodegradability. These composites are widely applicable across industries like automotive, construction, packaging, and consumer goods. They're utilized in automotive interiors to reduce weight and bolster fuel efficiency, in construction for insulation, panels, and structural elements, and in packaging as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, thus lowering environmental impact. Despite their environmental merits, challenges persist, including optimizing mechanical properties, scaling up production, and managing end-of-life disposal. Ongoing research and innovation endeavor to overcome these hurdles, making bio-based polymer composites more competitive and sustainable on a global scale. Research significance: Bio-based polymer composites research is crucial for tackling environmental issues and pushing forward sustainable materials technology. These composites combine renewable resources with polymer matrices, resulting in less reliance on fossil fuels, decreased carbon footprints, and improved biodegradability compared to traditional options. They offer eco-friendly alternatives in packaging, automotive, construction, and biomedical fields. Delving into their characteristics, manufacturing techniques, and effectiveness allows for the creation of novel materials that lessen environmental harm while meeting diverse needs, thus aiding in building a more sustainable and robust future. Methodology: Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is a technique employed to examine the correlation among numerous variables, especially in scenarios where data might be scant or uncertain. It gauges the extent of linkage between variables by evaluating their likeness or disparity patterns. GRA empowers decision-makers to pinpoint influential elements, rank actions, and refine procedures in intricate systems like engineering, finance, and management. Through the conversion of qualitative and quantitative data into grey numbers, GRA addresses uncertainties and offers valuable insights for problem-solving, decision-making, and performance improvement across various domains, facilitating more knowledgeable and efficient decision-making strategies. Alternative: PLA (Polylactic Acid) Composites, Hemp Fiber Reinforced Composites, Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Composites, Soy Protein-based Composites, Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites, Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Composites, Corn Starch-based Composites, Algae-based Composites. Evaluation preference: Mechanical Strength, Environmental Impact, Biodegradability, Renewable Resource, Cost-effectiveness. Results: From the result it is seen that Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites is got the first rank whereas is the Corn Starch-based Composites is having the lowest rank

<p>The dependence on petroleum-based polymers such as polypropylene (PP) has led to a series of environmental issues, including the persistence of microplastic (MP), i.e. plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter, in the global ocean. Polymers made from a natural-sourced feedstock, like polylactic acid (PLA), known as bio-based polymers, are seen as more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. However, our knowledge remains limited about their degradation rates and fate in the marine environment. Studies have provided evidence of the release of MP from larger debris under ultraviolet (UV) radiation in laboratory conditions. However, quantitative evidence of MP formation, i.e. observation, identification and enumeration of MPs formed after UV radiation, is limited. Indeed, only a few studies have assessed the disintegration of bio-based polymers and their capacity to form MPs. As part of the Interreg 2 Seas Mers Zeeën project SeaBioComp (seabiocomp.eu), we aim to compare, quantify and characterise the MP formation of a newly developed bio-based composite (i.e. bio-based polymers integrated with synthetic or natural fibres) and a reference petroleum-based polymer during their degradation under UV radiation. To do so, we exposed 3D printed cylinders (1 x 1 x 1 cm) of self-reinforced PLA (SR-PLA) and PP respectively, immersed in natural seawater, to accelerated UV radiation for 1,368 h, simulating about 18 months of natural solar exposure in central Europe. Dark controls (i.e. in sealed vials from the UV) were incubated in the same conditions also for 1,368 h. To identify, characterise and quantify the formed MPs, we used a combination of fluorescent microscopy, infrared technology (μFT-IR) and image analysis. We observed 263 ± 285 PP MPs (> 50 µm) and 14 ± 9 SR-PLA MPs in UV-weathered samples, while 3 ± 4 PP MPs and 7 ± 3 SR-PLA MPs in dark control samples. 1,368 h UV exposure accelerated the MP formation of PP (P < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis) but not SR-PLA (P = 0.29, Kruskal-Wallis), suggesting that the bio-based composite SR-PLA is more resistant to releasing MPs than the reference petroleum-based polymer. We anticipate that our results will contribute to assessing the sustainability of future bio-based polymers and composites applications and to supporting a transition process to more sustainable plastic materials.</p>

Biobased polymers are of great interest due to the release of tension on non-renewable petroleum-based polymers for environmental concerns. However, biobased polymers usually have poor mechanical and barrier properties when used as the main component of coatings and films, but they can be improved by adding nanoscale reinforcing agents (nanoparticles - NPs or fillers), thus forming nanocomposites. The nano-sized components have a larger surface area that favors the filler-matrix interactions and the resulting material yield. For example, natural fibers from renewable plants could be used to improve the mechanical strength of the biobased composites. In addition to the mechanical properties, the optical, thermal and barrier properties are mainly effective on the selection of type or the ratio of biobased components. Biobased nanocomposites are one of the best alternatives to conventional polymer composites due to their low density, transparency, better surface properties and biodegradability, even with low filler contents. In addition, these biomaterials are also incorporated into composite films as nano-sized bio-fillers for the reinforcement or as carriers of some bioactive compounds. Therefore, nanostructures may provide antimicrobial properties, oxygen scavenging ability, enzyme immobilization or act as a temperature or oxygen sensor. The promising result of biobased functional polymer nanocomposites is shelf life extension of foods, and continuous improvements will face the future challenges. This chapter will focus on biobased materials used in nanocomposite polymers with their functional properties for food packaging applications.

Biobased composites reinforced with annual plants—Design, manufacturing techniques, and parameters influencing the overall properties

The circular economy policy and the interest for sustainable material are inducing a constant expansion of the bio-composites market. The opportunity of using natural fibers in bio-based and biodegradable polymeric matrices, derived from industrial and/or agricultural waste, represents a stimulating challenge in the replacement of traditional composites based on fossil sources. The coupling of bioplastics with natural fibers in order to lower costs and promote degradability is one of the primary objectives of research, above all in the packaging and agricultural sectors where large amounts of non-recyclable plastics are generated, inducing a serious problem for plastic disposal and potential accumulation in the environment. Among biopolymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most used compostable, bio-based polymeric matrices, since it exhibits process ability and mechanical properties compatible with a wide range of applications. In this study, two types of cellulosic fibers were processed with PLA in order to obtain bio-composites with different percentages of microfibers (5%, 10%, 20%). The mechanical properties were evaluated (tensile and impact test), and analytical models were applied in order to estimate the adhesion between matrix and fibers and to predict the material’s stiffness. Understanding these properties is of particular importance in order to be able to tune and project the final characteristics of bio-composites.

Research on natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composite is continuously developing. Natural fibers from flora have received considerable attention from researchers because their use in biobased composites is safe and sustainable for the environment. Natural fibers that mixed with Carbon Fiber and or Glass Fiber are low-cost, lightweight, and biodegradable and have lower environmental influences than metal-based materials. This study highlights and comprehensively reviews the natural fibers utilized as reinforcements in polyester composites, including jute, bamboo, sisal, kenaf, flax, and banana. The properties of composite materials consisting of natural and synthetic fibers, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, fatigue, and hardness, are investigated in this study. This paper aims to summarize, classify, and collect studies related to the latest composite hybrid science consisting of natural and synthetic fibers and their applications. Furthermore, this paper includes but is not limited to preparation, mechanism, characterization, and evaluation of hybrid composite laminates in different methods and modes. In general, natural fiber composites produce a larger volume of composite, but their strength is weaker than GFRP/CFRP even with the same number of layers. The use of synthetic fibers combined with natural fibers can provide better strength of hybrid composite.

The growing awareness about sustainable development, environmental ecology and new legislations has led researchers to focus attention on bio fibres reinforced composites. In this field research has been done on many fibres but fibres such as banana, coir, bagasse, jute have gained importance in the recent decades. The main advantage of the natural fibre based composites materials being their low cost, easy availability, low density, acceptable specific properties, ease of separation, enhanced energy recovery, C02 neutrality, biodegradability and recyclability in nature. The attention is being given to the development of natural fibre composites is to explore value-added application avenues for their use and also for a sustainable and economical use of easily available natural material in hand. Agricultural waste is a very good example of such naturally available material and it can also be used to prepare composite materials for commercial use this has a very significant advantage over other natural fibres as its abundance and because of almost no cost.

: Considering the global environmental issues, various factors such as industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, and chemical engineering are being combined to develop advanced material known as bio-based or natural polymer-based materials. The environment and the cost-effective factors are now propelling the inclination in the direction of greater utilization of bio-based polymers and materials. Biobased materials are generally used to make industrial products and reliable goods. They are composed of a natural polymer, reinforced with agricultural waste, natural fibres and carbohydrates like starch, lignin, and cellulose. In this paper, we have discussed the introductory part of the biopolymers, e.g., cellulose, chitin, chitosan, PLA, and soy protein. Also, the mechanical properties of composites developed by using these biopolymers and their applications, specifically in the areas of biomedical and packaging sectors, have been discussed.

Now-a-days, the natural fibers and fillers from renewable natural resources offer the potential to act as a reinforcing material for polymer composite material alternative to the use of synthetic fiber like as; glass, carbon and other man-made fibers. Among various natural fibers and fillers like banana, wheat straw, rice husk, wood powder, sisal, jute, hemp etc. are the most widely used natural fibers and fillers due to its advantages like easy availability, low density, low production cost and reasonable physical and mechanical properties This research work presents the effect of natural fillers loading with 5%, 10% and 15% on mechanical behavior of polyester based hybrid composites. The result of test depicted that hybrid composite has far better properties than single fibre glass reinforced composite under impact and flexural loads. However it is found that the hybrid composite have better strength as compared to single glass fibre composites.

The advent of polymer-based dielectrics marked a significant breakthrough in dielectric materials. However, despite their many advantages, they pose serious environmental threats. Therefore, in recent years, there has been growing interest in bio-based polymers as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers. Their renewable nature and reduced environmental impact can fulfil the rising demand for eco-friendly substitutes. Beyond their ecological benefits, bio-based polymers also possess distinctive electrical properties that make them extremely attractive in a variety of applications. Considering these, herein, we present recent advancements in bio-based dielectric polymers and nanocomposites. First, the fundamental concepts of dielectric and polymer-based dielectric materials are covered. Then, we will delve into the discussion of recent advancements in the dielectric properties and thermal stability of bio-based polymers, including polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polybutylene succinate, starch, cellulose, chitosan, chitins, and alginates, and their nanocomposites. Other novel bio-based dielectric polymers and their distinct dielectric characteristics have also been pointed out. In an additional section, the piezoelectric properties of these polymers and their recent biomedical applications have been highlighted and discussed thoroughly. In conclusion, this paper thoroughly discusses the recent advances in bio-based dielectric polymers and their potential to revolutionize the biomedical industry while cultivating a more sustainable and greener future.

Preface About the Authors 1. Overview of Plant Polymers: Resources, Demands, and Sustainability 2. Plant Materials Formation and Growth 3. Isolation and Processing of Plant Materials 4. Polymers and Composite Resins from Plant Oils 5. Composites and Foams from Plant Oil-Based Resins 6. Fundamentals of Fracture in Bio-Based Polymers 7. Properties of Triglyceride-Based Thermosets 8. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives, Elastomers, and Coatings from Plant Oil 9. Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Soy Proteins 10. Soy Protein Adhesives 11. Plastics Derived from Starch and Poly (Lactic Acids) 12. Bio-Based Composites from Soybean Oil and Chicken Feathers 13. Hurricane-Resistant Houses from Soybean Oil and Natural Fibers 14. Carbon Nanotube Composites with Soybean Oil Resins 15. Nanoclay Biocomposites 16. Lignin Polymers and Composites Index

Natural fillers as reinforcement for closed-molded polyurethane foam plaques: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties