Biocomposites and Bioblends

Biocomposites and bioblends are receiving great attention for application in several sectors, mainly packaging, agriculture, and medicine. Researchers are in fact investigating the possibility to modify traditional polymer materials to make them more environmental friendly, and design novel polymer composites out of naturally occurring materials. The benefit is that biodegradable polymer materials, if produced at a competitive cost with respect to synthetic polymers, will have a positive environmentally and economically impact. This paper is intended to provide a brief outline of work that is under way in the area of biocomposites and bioblends research and development, starting from the definitions to the scientific theory behind these materials, the areas in which this research is being applied, the economical impact, and finally the forecast of future direction.