Production of biodegradable composites from agricultural waste: A review.
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Date
2019
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Publisher
Walter de Gruyter
Abstract
The development of biodegradable composite as an alternative to nondegradable composite continues to wax stronger. Composite materials are materials popularly formed from the combination of matrix and reinforcements, where one of these is commonly from renewable sources. However, biodegradable composites are produced from the combination of matrix (resin) and reinforcement solely from natural fibers unlike ordinary composites that do contain synthetic polymers which are not biodegradable. Thus, studies are continued to produce biodegradable composites using different biodegradable materials and techniques. Recent activities have led to the development of biodegradable composites with reasonable tensile and flexural characteristics. However, there are shortfalls with regard to some of the biodegradable composites when they come in contact with moisture, which affects their performance under certain conditions as in aqueous medium or under high humidity. Notable works have come up with biodegradable composite materials from common agricultural wastes. Among the common materials that have been studied in the development of biodegradable composites are rice husk, soybean, sugarcane bagasse, and cassava peel. This chapter discusses some of the literature available on biodegradable composites developed mainly from common agricultural products, their properties, production method, challenges, and sustainability.
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Keywords
Agricultural waste, biodegradable, composite, matrix, reinforcement