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Biocomposites from natural polymers and fibers

Publication: Book/Report/ProceedingsReportResearch

Abstract

Alternative resources to petroleum resources to produce environmentally friendly and sustainable plastics and composites are discussed. Such plant based resources are abundantly available at low prices being side stream products from bioethanol and food industries. The review begins with a short introduction to plant based polymers and their potential use for making plastics. Wheat gluten proteins and starch have shown attractive functional properties which are potentially suitable for making plastics with reduced carbon foot print. The structure and function of wheat gluten and potato starch and their use in different polymer blends to produce composites with improved functional properties are also discussed. The use of natural fibers and their advantage over synthetic fibers for making composites are also examined in this review.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherFaculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Crop Production Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Science
Number of pages30
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Publication series

SeriesIntroductory paper at the Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture and Crop Production Science
Number2015:3

Keywords

  • Biocomposites
  • Hemp fibers
  • Natural polymers
  • Potato starch
  • Wheat gluten

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