A Review on Bio-Composites: Fabrication, Properties and Applications

Abstract

Polymers form the backbones of plastic materials, and are continually being employed in an expanding range of areas. As a result, many researchers are investing time into modifying traditional materials to make them more user-friendly, and into designing novel polymer composites out of naturally occurring materials. A number of biological materials may be incorporated into polymer materials. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in biodegradable bio-composite material for use in packaging, agriculture, medicine, and other areas. The belief is that polymer bio-composite materials will reduce the need for synthetic polymer production (thus reducing pollution) at a low cost, thereby producing a positive effect both environmentally and economically. This review is intended to provide a brief outline of work that is under way in the area of polymer bio-composite research and development, the scientific theory behind these materials, areas in which this research is being applied, and future work that awaits.