| Summary: | Petroleum based thermoplastics are widely used in a range of applications, particularly in
packaging. However, their usage has resulted in soaring pollutant emissions. Thus, researchers have
been driven to seek environmentally friendly alternative packaging materials which are recyclable
as well as biodegradable. Due to the excellent mechanical properties of natural fibres, they have
been extensively used to reinforce biopolymers to produce biodegradable composites. A detailed
understanding of the properties of such composite materials is vital for assessing their applicability
to various products. The present review discusses several functional properties related to packaging
applications in order to explore the potential of bamboo fibre fabric-poly (lactic) acid composites
for packaging applications. Physical properties, heat deflection temperature, impact resistance,
recyclability and biodegradability are important functional properties of packaging materials. In this
review, we will also comprehensively discuss the chronological events and applications of natural
fibre biopolymer composites.
|
|---|