Biocomposites, applications fiber composites

Cellulosic fiber reinforced polymeric composites find applications in many fields ranging from the construction industry to the automotive industry. The reinforcing efficiency of natural fiber is related to the namre of cellulose and its crystallinity. The main components of natural fibers are cellulose (a-cellulose), hemicelluloses, lignin, pectins, and waxes. For example, biopolymers or synthetic polymers reinforced with natural or biofibers (termed biocomposites) are a viable alternative to glass fiber composites. The term biocomposite is now being applied to a staggering range of materials derived wholly or in part from renewable biomass resources [23]. 

As an extension to the considerable amount of research undertaken on processing and properties of natural filler composites, in this last decade, a number of researchers have explored the concept of namral filler-reinforced PLA composites. An outstanding one is the project FAlR-CT-98-3919 (New ftmctional biopolymer-natural fiber composites from agriculture resources) by European Union, in which one of the key objectives was to manufacture demonstration parts on a pre-competitive level with the automotive industry as the main potential market. Within this project, Lanzillotta et al. [21] prepared biocomposites with flax fibers and PLA as the biopolymer matrix. The research focused on the idea of converting biocomposites into products for real automotive applications. 

The demand for better fuel efficiency based on the strict governmental regulations on safety and emission has led to the wide application of composites and plastics in the automotive industry in the place of the traditionally used steels [32]. Thermoplastic materials reinforced with natural fibers have reported to have excellent mechanical properties, recycling properties, etc. [33-36]. Several natural and biorenewable fibers such as wheat, isora, soybean, kenaf, straw, jute, and sisal are used in the fiber/plastic composite industry, and the use of namral fibers as reinforcements for composite has attracted many industries [37, 38]. Compared to polymer resin, polymer biocomposites that are reinforced with natural fibers have many applications due to its ease of processing, comparatively lower cost, and excellent mechanical properties [39]. For more than a decade, European car manufacturers and suppliers have been using natural fiber-based composites with thermoplastic and thermoset matrices. These biocomposites and bionanocomposites... 

Suddell BC, Evans WJ, Mohanty AK, Misra M, Drzal LT (eds) (2005) Natural fiber composites in automotive applications Natural fibers. Biopolymers and Biocomposites. CRC Press, p231... 

Suddell B C and Evans W J (2005), Natural fiber composites in automotive applications , in MohantyAK, MisraMandDrzal LT, Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, Biocomposites, Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 231-259. 

With increasing social consciousness and global awareness, both academia and industries should also consider labor-friendly, environmentally friendly, and highvalued processes for the twenty-first century materials. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a constant product quality. Less expensive surface treatment should be used for biocomposites to replace glass fiber composites in current and potential applications in the future [161]. 

Nanocellulose-based biocomposites merge two types of composites biocomposites and nanocomposites. If the biopol5mier matrix is filled with plant-derived fillers such as wood fibers, cellulose, and soy proteins, biocomposites ("green composites") are formed. And if the filler is nanoscale, then nanocomposites are produced. In case of nanocellulose-based biocomposites, nanofillers of natural origin are mixed with biodegradable pol mier matrices. Therefore, in this part of the chapter both biocomposites and nanocomposites will be discussed. Moreover, examples of nanocellulose-based biocomposites applications will be presented. Much emphasis will be p ut on biomedical application of this type of composites as they seem to become a significant part of the future biomedical technology. 

In general, such agro-based materials are only used as feed for livestock and not as load bearing materials. Therefore, grass reinforced composites have an excellent potential to be used as fibers. There are plenty of grass resources. Elephant grass-based biocomposites are of interest for automotive applications. 

Composites can also be classified on the basis of the intended application. For example, one can distinguish between two types of biocomposites. Biocomposites for ecological applications are combinations of natural fibers or particulates with polymer matrices from both nonrenewable and renewable resources and are characterized by environmental degradability. Biocomposites for biomedical applications are combinations of biostable or degradable polymers with inert or bioactive... 

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