Bio‐Polyethylene and Polyethylene Biocomposites: An Alternative toward a Sustainable Future

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. Vol. 45; no. 14; pp. e2400064 - n/a
• Main Authors: Soo, Xiang Yun Debbie, Muiruri, Joseph Kinyanjui, Wu, Wen‐Ya, Yeo, Jayven Chee Chuan, Wang, Suxi, Tomczak, Nikodem, Thitsartarn, Warintorn, Tan, Beng Hoon, Wang, Pei, Wei, Fengxia, Suwardi, Ady, Xu, Jianwei, Loh, Xian Jun, Yan, Qingyu, Zhu, Qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.07.2024
• Subjects: agricultural waste; Agricultural wastes; biocomposite; Biodegradation; Biomedical materials; Catalytic converters; Compatibilizers; Composite materials; Corn; degradation; Environmental degradation; Environmental impact; Fermentation; Fibers; Gasification; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Polymers; Production methods; Renewable resources; Sugarcane; Sustainability; Sustainable production; Sustainable yield; Waste management
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400064

Polyethylene (PE), a highly prevalent non‐biodegradable polymer in the field of plastics, presents a waste management issue. To alleviate this issue, bio‐based PE (bio‐PE), derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. This review discusses various production methods of bio‐PE, including fermentation, gasification, and catalytic conversion of biomass. Interestingly, the bio‐PE production volumes and market are expanding due to the growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Additionally, the production of PE and bio‐PE biocomposites using agricultural waste as filler materials, highlights the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. According to previous studies, addition of ≈50% defibrillated corn and abaca fibers into bio‐PE matrix and a compatibilizer, results in the highest Young's modulus of 4.61 and 5.81 GPa, respectively. These biocomposites have potential applications in automotive, building construction, and furniture industries. Moreover, the advancement made in abiotic and biotic degradation of PE and PE biocomposites is elucidated to address their environmental impacts. Finally, the paper concludes with insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives in the sustainable production and utilization of PE and bio‐PE biocomposites. In summary, production of PE and bio‐PE biocomposites can contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future. Polyethylene (PE) is a highly prevalent non‐biodegradable polymer that gives rise to waste management issues. Therefore, bio‐based PE (bio‐PE) derived from renewable resources, PE or bio‐PE based biocomposites, and appropriate PE degradation methods can help alleviate the problem and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.