Biodegradation and Applications of Nanobiocomposites

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the state of the art in biodegradation and applications of nanobiocomposites. Specifically we examine the biodegradation of various biopolymer nanocomposite classes (starch, PLA, PCL and PHA matrix polymers) in various environments (soil, compost, marine) and then discuss the development of new biodegradation standards. We then examine applications and research focused to new applications for the same range of materials, before focusing on some key application areas. It is clear that development of nanobiocomposites in a systematic, tailored fashion increases the application areas whilst maintaining biodegradability in various environments for a range of biopolymer matrices.