Biobased Composites and Applications

Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials (LARPM), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, 

Keywords Biobased, composites, MAPP, hybrid, flammability 

Low cost biofibers such as jute, sisal, hemp, flax, ramie, banana, coir, etc., have received considerable attention in the recent years. These materials have successfully replaced the synthetic fibers glass in particular and other mineral fillers for fabrication of biobased composites used for engineering applications in various sectors such as aerospace, automobile, electronics, packaging, construction, etc. 

Biofibers can be effectively reinforced within the polymeric matrices in different ways to achieve desired properties such as strength, stiffness, low density, and sound damping, along with eco-friendly characteristics and texture in the composites. The use of biofibers for various commercial applications originated back in the 1990 s. Owing to low prices and the steadily rising performance of technical and standard plastics, the application of these fibers 

Susheel Kalia and Luc Averous (eds.) Biopolymers Biomedical and Environmental Applications, (225-266) Scrivener Publishing LLC 

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This chapter will focus on the application of these biofibers in the area of biobased composites. Also, a clear presentation of various examples of biobased composites, their properties and characterization studies are reported in the discussion. 

Part II discusses bioplastics and biocomposites. One of the main environmental problems in industrial development is plastic waste and its disposal. An enormous part of scientific research has been directed towards environmentally benevolent bioplastics that can easily be degraded or bio-assimilated. High performance biobased composites (biocomposites) are very economical and open up a wide range of applications. 

Thielemans, W. and Wool, R.P. (2004) Butyrated kraft lignin as compatibilizing agent for natural fiber reinforced thermoset composites. Composites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing, 35,327-338. Satheesh Kumar, M.N., Mohanty, A.K., Erickson, L. and Misra, M. (2009) Lignin and its applications with polymers. Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, 3, 1-24. 

The Advanced Materials Series provides recent advancements of the fascinating field of advanced materials science and technology, particularly in the area of structure, synthesis and processing, characterization, advanced-state properties, and applications. The volumes will cover theoretical and experimental approaches of molecular device materials, biomimetic materials, hybrid-type composite materials, functionalized polymers, supramolecular systems, information- and energy-transfer materials, biobased and biodegradable or environmental friendly materials. Each volume will be devoted to one broad subject and the multidisciplinary aspects will be drawn out in full. 

Ramires E C and Frollini E (2012), Tannin-phenolic resins Synthesis, characterization, and application as matrix in biobased composites reinforced with sisal fibers . Composites Part B, 43(7), 2851-2860. 

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