Applications and Future Scope of "Green" Composites

A line of "green" composites (also called biocomposites), defined here as composites of biomass and either biodegradable or biobased polymers, has been investigated for various applications. These application areas range from automotive parts, construction, and insulation materials to specialty textiles (nonwoven textiles) [1]. For construction applications, hurricane-resistant structural biocomposites have been developed, for instance, from lignocellulosic fibers and soy-oil-based resin. Other identified uses for these plant-oil-based fiber composites include bathtubs, archery bows, golf clubs, and boat hulls [2]-[4]. A summary of some biodegradable composite products investigated by various researchers is shown in Figure 1.