Bioplastics Research Articles

Preparation of hemp‐based biocomposites and their potential industrial application

AbstractBiocomposites are an emerging field in plastic industry. The incorporation of agri‐food waste in conventional or biobased polymer matrices allows the industry to lessen its carbon footprint, while producing recyclable plastic products. In this work, hemp hurd, a byproduct of hemp fiber production process, was used as a filler to prepare novel compostable composites in two different loadings (22% and 32% w/w respectively). Waste hemp hurds were selected due to their abundance and the lack of derived high‐value products. Three different polymers were used, namely poly[(tetramethyleneadipate)‐co‐(tetramethyleneterephthalate)] (PBAT) and poly(tetramethylene succinate) (PBS) as compostable polymers and a polyethylene elastomer for comparison. The bare polymers and prepared blends were then characterized for their structure and morphology by XRD and FESEM, as well as for their wettability, thermal and mechanical properties (namely energy absorbed on impact and flexural modulus). Structural and morphological characterization unveiled the different interactions occurring between hemp and the polymer matrices, suggesting the major impact of the type of used polymer when compared with biomass loading percentages. Mechanical tests showed that both PBAT and PBS blends properties are comparable to those of the pure polymers (i.e., in the case of PBAT the flexural modulus of the pure polymer was 82.2 MPa while the hemp‐loaded blends stood at around 50 MPa, whereas all PBS polymers and blends were 220 MPa, with no statistical difference between samples). These biomaterials have also similar thermal properties with respect to the bare polymers, underlining the promising potential as sustainable alternative to pure polymers.Highlights Waste hemp hurds were used to load biodegradable polymers at different percentages. Hemp hurd‐based biomaterials with excellent properties were prepared. Polymer flexural behavior was maintained even after hemp addition. Polymer‐hemp interactions for each polymeric matrix were elucidated. Hemp substitutes up to 32% w/w of polymer without affecting its properties.

Electrochemical Hydrodimerization of Lignocellulose-Derived Carbonyls in Aqueous Electrolytes for Biobased Polymer and Long-chained Synfuel Production: A Review.

The transformation from fossil resources, crude oil and natural gas to biomass-derived feedstocks is an urgent and major challenge for the chemical industry. The valorization of lignocellulose as renewable resource is a promising pathway offering access to a wide range of platform chemicals, such as vanillin, furfural and 5-HMF. The subsequent conversion of such platform chemicals is one crucial step in the value-added chain. The electrochemical hydrodimerization (EHD) is a sustainable tool for C-C coupling of these chemicals to their corresponding hydrodimers hydrovanilloin, hydrofuroin and 5,5'-bis(hydroxymethyl)hydrofuroin (BHH). This review covers the current state of art concerning the mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of biobased aldehydes and studies targeting the electrochemical production of these hydrodimers in aqueous media. Moreover, the subsequent conversion of these hydrodimers to valuable additives, polymers and long carbon chain synfuels will be summarized offering a broad scope for their application in the chemical industry.

Lignin Nanofiber Flexible Carbon Aerogels for Self-Standing Supercapacitors.

Renewable feedstocks are sought for clean technology applications, including energy storage applications. In this study, LignoForce™ lignin, a biobased aromatic polymer commercially isolated from wood, was fractioned into two parts using acetone, and the resulting lignin fractions had distinct thermo-rheological behavior. These two fractionated lignins were combined in various ratios and transformed into nanofibers by electrospinning. Subsequently, electrospun fiber materials were disrupted by agitating the mats in water, and the materials were transformed into ultralight 3D aerogels through lyophilization and post-process controlled heating. Using only this combination of two fractions, the morphology of lignin nanofibers was tailored by heat treatment, resulting in lignin aerogels with high flexibility and significant shape recovery properties. Various microscale structures of lignin fibers impacted the resulting physical properties of the elastic aerogel materials, such as resilience, compressive strength, and electrical conductivity for the corresponding carbonized samples. By exploiting lignin's sensitivity to heat and tailoring the thermal properties of the lignin through fractionation, the work provided an interesting path to form robust lignin-derived functional materials without any toxic chemical additives and significant ability to serve as free-standing electrodes with specific capacitance values better than some graphene-based supercapacitors.

Effect of Fiber Cross-Sectional and Surface Properties on the Degradation of Biobased Polymers.

Biobased polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) break down naturally under certain environmental conditions. The efficiency of degradation can be linked directly to fiber surface properties, which influence polymer accessibility. Here, the degradation of PLA and PBS fibers with six different cross-sections was investigated. The fibers were aged by hydrolysis and UV exposure in an accelerated weathering test, followed by an ISO 20200 laboratory-scale disintegration test with non-aged fibers as controls. The polymers were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography, comparing the polymer granulate, virgin fibers, and UV-exposed fibers. It was found that the molecular mass and crystallinity of PBS changed more than PLA during spinning. Several PLA samples were completely degraded, whereas all the PBS samples remained intact. Furthermore, surface openings appeared on the PLA fibers during weathering, suggesting greater sensitivity to UV exposure and hydrolysis than PBS. A clear correlation between the fiber surface area and the degradation rate was observed for all samples, but the correlation was positive for PLA and negative for PBS. The slower degradation of PBS fibers with a larger surface area may reflect the ability of PBS to preserve itself by further crystallization during degradation processes at temperatures higher than the glass transition point. The data clearly show that the analysis of single degradation mechanisms is insufficient to predict the behavior of material under real-world conditions, where different degradation mechanisms may work in parallel or consecutively, and may show interdependencies.

Proposal of a Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer as a Hot Embossing Substrate for Holographic Security Marks Fabrication

ABSTRACTThe alarming increase in counterfeiting has determined a more intensive application of authentication solutions such as holographic security marks. Polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate currently used in the hot embossing process to produce security marks are discarded as non‐biodegradable waste after utilization. For the first time, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was studied here as a hot‐embossing substrate to imprint a micro‐relief containing diffractive gratings, as a stage in the fabrication of holographic security marks. Four PLA grades, which differ by crystallinity and mechanical properties, were used to define the suitability of PLA for hot embossing. The 3D topography of embossed micro‐relief in PLA plates was investigated by quantitative phase imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The analyses showed that a high crystallinity and a low d‐lactide content of PLA render the hot‐embossing process more difficult and decrease the quality of the imprinted micro‐relief. The average height of the micro‐relief and the difference in height values, which were determined by AFM, allowed the ranking of the PLA grades according to the quality of the diffracted image. The possibility of recycling the embossed PLA substrate several times before composting was also demonstrated in this work. The variation of the mechanical properties, thermal stability, melting, and crystallization behaviors after each recycling cycle has shown that PLA can be reprocessed six times without significant damage to the properties. This study demonstrated that PLA can replace petroleum‐based polymers in the fabrication of holographic security marks and its suitability for a plethora of optoelectronics applications.

Moisture ageing effects on the mechanical performance of eco-friendly sandwich panels made of aluminium skins, bamboo ring core and bio-based adhesives

Recent research has been focused on developing high-performance sandwich structures using renewable resources. The adoption of bamboo rings as a core material and bio-based adhesives has emerged as a promising sustainable design solution for panel construction. It is therefore critical to conduct accelerated ageing tests on these materials to evaluate the impact of environmental humidity on their degradation and durability. This study assessed the effects of moisture ageing on the physic-mechanical properties of eco-friendly sandwich panels and their constituents (aluminium skins, bamboo ring core and castor oil bio-adhesive). Mechanical evaluations of sandwich panels with compacted and spaced bamboo ring cores were performed under varying humidity conditions. Bamboo rings exhibited variable bulk density due to swelling and loss of organic material over time. They also demonstrated increased compressive properties after 2 years of natural ageing but reduced performance after 30 days at 100% relative humidity. The mechanical properties of the bio-based polymer were enhanced through water-ageing exposure. Sandwich panels constructed with compacted bamboo ring cores exhibited higher bending properties than those with spaced ring core architecture, with the latter showing failures characterised by a wrinkling effect on both skins followed by debonding.

Application of Poly(lactic Acid) Composites in the Automotive Sector: A Critical Review.

The introduction of bio-based matrices in automotive applications would, in principle, increase their sustainability and, in case the use of secondary raw materials is also involved, even result in reduced resource depletion. The bio-based polymer composite matrix that has been mainly brought forward towards industrial application is poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which has often been proposed as the replacement for matrices based on polyolefins in fields such as packaging and short-term commodities since, in general, it matches the needs for conventional thermoplastic production processes. The passage to the automotive sector is not obvious, though: problems affecting durability, the relation with water and the environment, together with the requirement for outstanding mechanical and impact performance appear very stringent. On the other hand, PLA has obtained durable success in additive manufacturing as a competitor for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Also, the perspective for 3D and 4D printing does not appear to be confined to bare prototyping. These contrasting pieces of evidence indicate the necessity to provide more insight into the possible development of PLA use in the automotive industry, also considering the pressure for the combined use of more sustainable reinforcement types in automotive composites, such as natural fibers.

Recent Advance of Sustainable Polymers for Packaging Applications

The extensive application of non-renewable polymers has brought about deep environmental concerns, demonstrating the immediate requirement for new biodegradable and biobased packaging choices. The work offers an in-depth look at a wide array of degradable and biobased polymers like Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH), as well as starch and cellulose materials, discussing their qualities, uses, and the issues faced in food packaging. These types of green polymers, either in new ways or from renewable sources, offer great advances not only from decomposition into harmless parts but also from the reduction of environmental damage. The essay covers the exploitation side of this material, be it the role of PLA in enzymatic, hydrolytic, or microbial degradations, or the main tactical function of PHA in terms of a water barrier aimed at preserving the quality of stored food. Additionally, the multifunctionality of these substances is represented anew in packaging dairy goods, such as fruits, and vegetables, and specialized applications like edible films or water-soluble bags. The participation of compostable polymers has become increasingly vital in the area of food packaging to meet consumers’ demands and to upgrade the present science technologies aimed at guiding food producers who are looking for more sustainability in their business.

Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Materials for a Circular Economy.

Nowadays, plastic contamination worldwide is a concerning reality that can be addressed with appropriate society education as well as looking for innovative polymeric alternatives based on the reuse of waste and recycling with a circular economy point of view, thus taking into consideration that a future world without plastic is quite impossible to conceive. In this regard, in this review, we focus on sustainable polymeric materials, biodegradable and bio-based polymers, additives, and micro/nanoparticles to be used to obtain new environmentally friendly polymeric-based materials. Although biodegradable polymers possess poorer overall properties than traditional ones, they have gained a huge interest in many industrial sectors due to their inherent biodegradability in natural environments. Therefore, several strategies have been proposed to improve their properties and extend their industrial applications. Blending strategies, as well as the development of composites and nanocomposites, have shown promising perspectives for improving their performances, emphasizing biopolymeric blend formulations and bio-based micro and nanoparticles to produce fully sustainable polymeric-based materials. The Review also summarizes recent developments in polymeric blends, composites, and nanocomposite plasticization, with a particular focus on naturally derived plasticizers and their chemical modifications to increase their compatibility with the polymeric matrices. The current state of the art of the most important bio-based and biodegradable polymers is also reviewed, mainly focusing on their synthesis and processing methods scalable to the industrial sector, such as melt and solution blending approaches like melt-extrusion, injection molding, film forming as well as solution electrospinning, among others, without neglecting their degradation processes.

Experimental Investigation οf Bio-Based Polymers Reinforced with Graphene Oxide

Experimental Investigation οf Bio-Based Polymers Reinforced with Graphene Oxide

Green synthesis of boehmite-reinforced cashew gum/polypyrrole biopolymer blend for advanced biomaterials

Electrically conducting biopolymer blend nanocomposites based on different contents of boehmite (BHM) reinforced cashew gum (CG) /polypyrrole (PPy) blend is synthesized by an in situ polymerization technique using water as a green solvent. The resulting bio-blend nanocomposites underwent comprehensive analysis concerning their structural, morphology, thermal, and electrical properties, such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, electric modulus, and AC conductivity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the presence of metal oxide stretching in the blended nanocomposite at 512 cm−1. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the attachment and uniform dispersion of BHM within the CG/PPy blend at 7 wt% loading, and beyond this loading, the nanoparticles get agglomerated in the biopolymer blend. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of all the blended nanocomposites are higher than that of the pure CG/PPy blend and these thermal properties increase with the loading of nanoparticles. Conductivity experiments demonstrated that as the nanofiller content increases up to 7 wt%, there is a concurrent rise observed in AC conductivity, dielectric loss, and dielectric constant. There is a substantial difference of 1.21 Scm−1 between the maximum and minimum AC electrical conductivity, at 102 Hz. However, a decrease in electrical properties is observed at the highest loadings of BHM due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer blend matrix. The lowest activation energy value (0.049 × 10−4 eV) is also exhibited by 7 wt% BHM nanocomposites. Furthermore, the electrical properties of both CG/PPy and CG/PPy/BHM nanocomposites exhibited a temperature-dependent behavior, progressively increasing until reaching maximum values. This study suggests that such bio-based polymer dielectrics could be promising materials for various applications, offering enhanced thermal and electrical properties through careful control of nanofiller content and dispersion.

Waterborne cellulose acetate pickering emulsion generation mediated by cellulose nanocrystals for paper coating applications

There is a continually increasing demand for alternatives to single-use, non-degradable, and synthetic plastic packaging. Environmentally friendly paper products offer a potential solution, but typically do not meet stringent demands for barrier and other physical property performance unless coated with polymeric films, usually polyolefins. Replacing conventional plastic film coatings with bio-based polymer alternatives, such as cellulose acetate, can provide competitive barrier property performance while also providing sustainability benefits. Furthermore, water can be used as a coating medium for added environmental and coatability advantages. In this study, 10 wt% Pickering emulsions of cellulose acetate dispersed in water and stabilized via cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were generated. Rheological behavior, particle size, stability, and particle morphology were analyzed, as was the effect of modifying the CNCs using (2-Dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride over several weeks. Unbleached kraft paper was coated and compared to polyolefin coated and uncoated paper. Water vapor permeability, grease resistance, water absorption, and wet mechanical properties were all investigated, displaying promising properties for barrier paper coating. The grease kit test yielded a result of 10/12 for the coated paper versus 0/12 for uncoated, and water Cobb value showed a 60 % improvement. Lastly, the performance of the coated paper as a food takeout container coating was explored, with convincing results demonstrating a strong avenue of applicability. Overall, the waterborne cellulose acetate Pickering emulsion formation and its paper coating application yielded promising results for sustainable packaging development.

Scaling the ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of bio-based gel polymer electrolytes reinforced with Al2O3 nanofibers for energy storage applications

Scaling the ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of bio-based gel polymer electrolytes reinforced with Al2O3 nanofibers for energy storage applications

Enzymatic synthesis of aromatic biobased polymers in green, low-boiling solvents

Given the urge to accelerate the substitution of petrol-derived solvents not only in more traditional fields like pharmaceuticals, personal care, or electronics but also in innovative research processes, this work focuses on the utilisation of four biobased solvents as media for the enzymatic synthesis of aliphatic-aromatic polyesters. As building blocks, the lignin-derived diethyl-2,4-pyridinedicarboxylate was selected as the potentially biobased, aromatic component while more classical diols such as 1,4-butanediol and 1,8-octanediol were used as the aliphatic portion. Results show that among the tested green solvents (cyclohexanone, phenetole, anisole and eucalyptol), the most suitable medium for lipase B from Candida antarctica-catalysed polycondensation reactions was eucalyptol that allowed reach monomer conversions >95 % and number average molecular weights up to 3500 g·mol−1. On the other hand, cyclohexanone led to the lowest monomer conversions (<80 %) and molecular weights (Mn<500 g·mol−1) confirming once again the unsuitability of ketone-containing solvents for enzymatic esterification and transesterification reactions. The lipase could be used up to three times, in eucalyptol as a solvent, without a significant decrease in monomer conversion or molecular weight.

Cellulose acetate-based polymer electrolyte for energy storage application with the influence of BaTiO3 nanofillers on the electrochemical properties: A progression in biopolymer-EDLC technology

The bio-based solid polymer electrolyte serves as a promising choice for the next generation of energy storage devices to meet the requirement of green chemistry. In the current research, a green plasticized magnesium ion-conducting biopolymer electrolyte was developed using simple solution casting method for Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) applications. The biopolymer Cellulose Acetate (CA) as the host polymer, with varying concentrations of BaTiO3 as the nanofiller, Mg(CF3SO3)2 as the ionic dopant, and PEG as the plasticizer. A 2 wt% addition of BaTiO3 to the biopolymer electrolyte exhibits maximum conductivity measuring 2.4 × 10−3 S/cm. Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) analysis demonstrates maximum stability voltage of 3.51 V. The ionic transference number (tion) and (tMg2+) were determined to be 0.99 and 0.41 respectively. The fabricated EDLC device with the same electrolyte showed polarisation curve without any noticeable peaks in the Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) plot, indicating no redox reactions occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) results showed excellent coulombic efficiency, stability and Energy Density and Power Density performance over 2000 cycles. The incorporation of BaTiO3 into biopolymer membranes presents a viable approach towards sustainable energy storage solutions by enhancing the energy storage capacity of EDLC devices.

A review on recent progress and techniques used for fabricating superhydrophobic coatings derived from biobased materials.

Superhydrophobic coatings with remarkable water repellence have emerged as an increasingly prominent field of research with the growth of the material engineering and coating industries. Superhydrophobic coatings address the requirements of several application areas with characteristics including corrosion resistance, drag reduction, anti-icing, anti-fogging, and self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, the range of applications for superhydrophobic coatings has been substantially broadened by the inclusion of key performance features such as flame retardancy, thermal insulation, resistance to water penetration, UV resistance, transparency, anti-reflection, and many more. Numerous research endeavours have been focused on biomimetic superhydrophobic materials because of their distinct surface wettability. To develop superhydrophobic coatings with a long lifespan, scientists have refined the processes of material preparation and selection. To accomplish water repellency, superhydrophobic coatings are usually fabricated using harmful fluorinated chemicals or synthetic polymers. Utilising materials derived from biomass offers a sustainable alternative that uses renewable resources in order to eliminate the consumption of these hazardous substances. This paper provides an insight of several researches reported on the construction of superhydrophobic coatings using biomass materials such as lignin, cellulose, chitosan and starch along with the techniques used for the constructing superhydrophobic coatings. This study is a useful resource that offers guidance on the selection of various biobased polymers for superhydrophobic coatings tailored to specific applications. The further part of the paper put a light on different application of superhydrophobic coatings employed in various disciplines and the future perspectives of the superhydrophobic coatings.

A Review of Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Characterization, Production, and Application from Waste

The search for alternatives to petrochemical plastics has intensified, with increasing attention being directed toward bio-based polymers (bioplastics), which are considered healthier and more environmentally friendly options. In this review, a comprehensive overview of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is provided, including their characterization, applications, and the mechanisms underlying their biosynthesis. PHAs are natural polyesters produced by a wide range of prokaryotic and some eukaryotic organisms, positioning them as a significant and widely studied type of bioplastic. Various strategies for the production of PHAs from agroindustrial waste, such as cacao shells, cheese whey, wine, wood, and beet molasses, are reviewed, emphasizing their potential as sustainable feedstocks. Industrial production processes for PHAs, including the complexities associated with extraction and purification, are also examined. Although the use of waste materials offers promise in reducing costs and environmental impact, challenges remain in optimizing these processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The need for continued research and development to improve the sustainability and economic viability of PHA production is emphasized, positioning PHAs as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.

Optimization of reed-based polyol production driven by response surface methodology and machine learning: Process modeling and hydroxyl value prediction

In pursuit of sustainable development goals, the transformation of biomass resources into high-value chemicals has become a focal point within the academic community. Despite being a biomass resource, reed (Phragmites australis) has not yet fully realized its potential in the production of bio-based polyols. This study utilized Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) enhanced by a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to model and optimize the liquefaction process of reeds. Furthermore, this study employed a pre-existing predictive model to estimate the hydroxyl value of reed-derived liquefaction products, thereby aiming to curtail expenses during the biomass chemical development phase. The results demonstrated that both the RSM and GA-ANN models accurately predict bio-polyol yield, with the RSM model outperforming the ANN model. Based on optimal conditions predicted by the RSM model, the best experimental process parameters were established: raw material particle size 2–12 mesh, solid-liquid ratio 5:1, glycerol content 32.5 %, catalyst content 3.6 %, temperature 169 °C, and reaction time 58 minutes. Under these conditions, the polyol yield reached 89.145 %, with a relative deviation of 2.366 %, and the bio-polyol exhibited a viscosity of 0.51 Pa·s. The predicted hydroxyl value for the bio-based polyol was found to be 399.19 mg KOH/g. The liquefied product is rich in hydroxyl groups, indicating its potential application value in preparing bio-based polymer materials. This study introduces innovative approaches to the economical production of bio-based polyols at the laboratory scale, which may pave the way for their broader industrial implementation.

Bio-based nylon intermediates from γ-valerolactone: Catalyst modifications for an enhanced selectivity to methyl 4-pentenoate

Ring-opening transesterification of bio-based γ-valerolactone (GVL) to produce a mixture of methyl pentenoate isomers (MPs) such as methyl 4-pentenoate (M4P), methyl 3-pentenoate (M3P) and methyl 2-pentenoate (M2P) has been carried out using modified Zr-containing catalysts in a gas phase continuous process. As the three MP isomers are potential nylon intermediates, this approach is sustainable from a green chemistry point of view to synthesize bio-based polymers. The reaction was carried out in a fixed bed catalytic reactor at ambient pressure and in the temperature range from 255 to 335°C. In the present study, SiO2 supported zirconia catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation with varying Zr loadings in the range from 5 to 30wt%. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques. The surface areas were determined by N2 adsorption, acid-base properties by NH3-TPD and CO2-TPD techniques. In addition, the distinction of Lewis and Brønsted sites were also estimated by Py-FTIR. Among all catalysts, 25% Zr/SiO2 exhibited the best performance. The influence of various key reaction parameters on the activity/selectivity was explored and suitable reaction conditions were optimized. The conversion of GVL and product distribution was found to be strongly dependent on the reaction temperature and Zr content of the catalysts. The sum selectivity of all the three MP isomers varied in the range from 97 to 99%, of which M4P was always the dominant product. At low reaction temperature (255°C), M4P was the major product while M2P was a minor product. However, with increase in temperature, the selectivity of M2P and M3P increased at the expense of M4P due to isomerisation of the C=C double bond. In addition, the effect of support on the best Zr loading was also explored and it was found that the SiO2 support exhibited superior performance compared to others. In the direction of enhancing the selectivity of M4P, Cr-doping was also done onto 25Zr/SiO2, the best catalyst of this study. Such incorporation of chromium significantly enhanced the selectivity of M4P above 80% at acceptably high conversion of GVL.

Emerging Trends in Engineering Polymers: A Paradigm Shift in Material Engineering

Emerging Trends in Engineering Polymers signify a pivotal transformation in material engineering, marking a departure from traditional materials towards innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable polymers. This review delineates the forefront of advancements in polymer materials, including high-performance, bio-based, biodegradable, innovative, and functional polymers. Highlighting their enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance showcases these materials' pivotal role in driving technological progress. The exploration extends to advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, electrospinning, and the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites, underscoring their impact on customizing product properties and scaling production. Central to this discourse is the sustainability and environmental stewardship in the polymer sector, addressing recycling methodologies, the circular economy, and regulatory frameworks guiding sustainable practices. The review juxtaposes traditional and emerging recycling processes, illuminating the path toward more sustainable material cycles. Furthermore, it ventures into emerging applications across diverse sectors such as energy, electronics, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace, elucidating the transformative potential of engineering polymers in these domains. Challenges spanning technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory landscapes are critically examined, setting the stage for future directions in research and development. The review culminates in a forward-looking perspective, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and material science innovation to navigate modern engineering challenges' complexities. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review articulates a narrative of evolution and opportunity within engineering polymers, poised to redefine material engineering in the decades to come.