Bioplastics

Biocomposites

Biocomposites are composite materials comprising one or more phases derived from a biological origin. In terms of the reinforcement, this could include plant fibres such as cotton, flax, hemp and the like, or fibers from recycled wood or waste paper, or even by-products from food crops. 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. These nanostructures give the mechanical strength to higher plant cells, and are biodegradable, renewable, resistant, and widely available to produce nanocomposites with low density, and improved and controlled mechanical, optical, and barrier properties. Composites market to reach US$3.95 billion by 2016 $5.1 billion US high performance composite industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021.It is set to reach 74,740t in 2016, and 102,460t in 2020. This over-capacity could lead to maintaining competitive prices. Carbon fiber matrix composites are made 72% from epoxy.