Influence of nanofillers on biodegradable composites: A comprehensive review

• Published in: Polymer composites Vol. 42; no. 11; pp. 5691 - 5711
• Main Authors: Jagadeesh, Praveenkumara, Puttegowda, Madhu, Mavinkere Rangappa, Sanjay, Siengchin, Suchart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.11.2021; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Additives; Aspect ratio; Biocompatibility; Biodegradability; biodegradable composites; biofiber; biopolymer; Biopolymers; cellulose; Composite materials; Dielectric properties; Electrical properties; Environmental impact; Nanocomposites; nanofillers; Polymers; Water absorption
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.26291

The continuous delivery of E‐waste from petroleum‐based products creates ecological and environmental problems due to non‐biodegradable polymers, which release harmful chemicals and toxic gases. This results in biodegradable polymers/fibers appearance, which are biocompatible and degrade in the surrounding environments without causing any environmental pollution and these relieve environmental burden. However, the bio‐based materials are unable to meet certain properties in the way of flexibility, dielectric properties, electrical properties, water and gas vapor barrier properties. The current day's research focus is towards the implementation of biodegradable composites properties by introducing different nanostructures. The biopolymers/biofibers are used as raw material in concern with environmental aspects. Nowadays researchers are supplementing a new form of materials known as nanofillers in various biopolymer‐based composites in a small amount. This nanofillers will act as additives and helps in enhancing the different properties such as mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy and water absorption behavior of the nano composite materials as well as maintaining the optimum density of them. The nanocomposites applications are extended in various sectors for the reason of higher surface area, aspect ratio, and superior properties. This review outlines the types of biofibers/biopolymers and their characterization, types of nanofillers, and their characterization, and summarizes the various functional properties of nanocomposites with their applications.