Due to their abundance, high strength and stiffness, low weight and biodegradability, nano-scale cellulose fiber materials (e.g., microfibrillated cellulose and bacterial cellulose) serve as promising candidates for bio-nanocomposite production. Such new high-value materials are the subject of continuing research and are commercially interesting in terms of new products from the pulp and paper industry and the agricultural sector. Cellulose nanofibers can be extracted from various plant sources and, although the mechanical separation of plant fibers into smaller elementary constituents has typically required high energy input, chemical and/or enzymatic fiber pre-treatments have been developed to overcome this problem. A challenge associated with using nanocellulose in composites is the lack of compatibility with hydrophobic polymers and various chemical modification methods have been explored in order to address this hurdle. This review summarizes progress in nanocellulose preparation with a particular focus on microfibrillated cellulose and also discusses recent developments in bio-nanocomposite fabrication based on nanocellulose.

Microfibrillated cellulose and new nanocomposite materials: a review

Processing technologies for poly(lactic acid)

An overview of the recent developments in polylactide (PLA) research.

Polymer blends and composites from renewable resources

Biofibres and Biocomposites

Poly(lactic acid): plasticization and properties of biodegradable multiphase systems

Chemical modification of lignins: Towards biobased polymers

Nano-biocomposites: Biodegradable polyester/nanoclay systems

The aim of this review is to show the relationships between the structure, the process, and the properties of biodegradable multiphase systems based on plasticized starch (PLS), the so‐called “thermoplastic starch.” These mutiphase materials are obtained when associating association between plasticized starches and other biodegradable materials, such as biodegradable polyesters [polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid (PLA), polyesteramide (PEA), aliphatic, and aromatic copolyesters], or agro‐materials (ligno‐cellulosic fiber, lignin etc.). Depending on materials (soft, rigid) and the plastic processing system used, various structures (blends, composites, multilayers) can be obtained. The compatibility problematic between these hetero‐materials is analyzed. These starchy products show some interesting properties and have some applications in different fields: packaging, sports, catering, agriculture and gardening, or hygiene.

Biodegradable Multiphase Systems Based on Plasticized Starch: A Review

Cellulose macro- and nanofibers have gained increasing attention due to the high strength and stiffness, biodegradability and renewability, and their production and application in development of composites. Application of cellulose nanofibers for the development of composites is a relatively new research area. Cellulose macro- and nanofibers can be used as reinforcement in composite materials because of enhanced mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation properties of composites. Cellulose fibers are hydrophilic in nature, so it becomes necessary to increase their surface roughness for the development of composites with enhanced properties. In the present paper, we have reviewed the surface modification of cellulose fibers by various methods. Processing methods, properties, and various applications of nanocellulose and cellulosic composites are also discussed in this paper.

/pdf/cellulose-based-bio-and-nanocomposites-a-review-5484pyqycf.pdf

Luc Avérous

Papers

Poly(lactic acid): plasticization and properties of biodegradable multiphase systems

Chemical modification of lignins: Towards biobased polymers

Nano-biocomposites: Biodegradable polyester/nanoclay systems

Biodegradable Multiphase Systems Based on Plasticized Starch: A Review

Cellulose-Based Bio- and Nanocomposites: A Review