Green composites: A brief review

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 42; no. 6; pp. 579 - 588
• Main Authors: La Mantia, F.P., Morreale, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); A. Wood; additives; Adhesion; Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; Biodegradability; Composites; Ductility; Exact sciences and technology; Fillers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Industrial applications; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; polymers; Reduction; Technology of polymers; A. Wood; A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); B. Mechanical properties; State of the art; Life cycle (environment); Plant fiber; Mechanical properties; Polymer; Processability; Wood waste; Composite material; Research and development; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Natural fiber; Technological properties; Filler; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2011.01.017

The rising concern towards environmental issues and, on the other hand, the need for more versatile polymer-based materials has led to increasing interest about polymer composites filled with natural-organic fillers, i.e. fillers coming from renewable sources and biodegradable. The composites, usually referred to as “green”, can find several industrial applications. On the other hand, some problems exist, such as worse processability and reduction of the ductility. The use of adhesion promoters, additives or chemical modification of the filler can help in overcoming many of these limitations. These composites can be further environment-friendly when the polymer matrix is biodegradable and comes from renewable sources as well. This short review briefly illustrates the main paths and results of research (both academic and industrial) on this topical subject, providing a quick overview (with no pretence of exhaustiveness over such a vast topic), as well as appropriate references for further in-depth studies.