Bio-based thermoplastic composites are gaining increasing importance as there has been a dramatic increase of interest in using them as fillers in organic and inorganic composites because of their bio-degradable, renewable and environment-friendly nature.
Composite materials essentially combine more than one material or substance, most commonly a reinforcing fiber and a matrix resin. Many bio-based fibers have been used as fillers in thermoplastic composites like jute, bamboo coir and bagasse, in addition to wood powder and fibers.
Blending of polymers with fillers is a powerful way to produce newer materials with a desirable combination of properties unavailable with a single component.
Typical desired properties are improved stiffness, thermal stability, tensile and bending strength, reduced shrinkage of molded parts and reduced wear due to usage and environmental factors.
The most commonly used reinforcements are glass, Kevlar and carbon fibers, whereas talc, calcium carbonate and clays are fillers. Manufacturing of glass or carbon fibers is highly energy-intensive and hazardous to health. It would be particularly beneficial, both in terms of the environment and also in socio-economic terms, if a significant amount of the fillers were obtained from a renewable agricultural source.
Environmental awareness and cost-effectiveness today motivates researchers to study agro-based,fiber filled thermoplastic composites. The material can reduce the consumption of plastics significantly.
Material cost savings due to the incorporation of the relatively low-cost agro-fibers and the higher filling levels, coupled with the advantage of being nonabrasive to the mixing and molding equipment, are benefits that are not likely to be ignored by the plastics industry for use in automotive, construction, appliances and other applications.
Flexible options
Plant-based composites may, in the future, become materials to replace both polymer-based composites and costly wood because of their attractive specific properties, lower cost, simple processing technologies, reduced environmental impact and ability to be recycled after use.
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