Starch – A potential thermoplastic biopolymer
Natural polymers, such as starch and cellulose have the potential to replace many current polymers if new material composites can be prepared to rival the performance of existing composites. While the conventional composites offer excellent mechanical properties and durability, most of them are derived from petroleum feed stock. Utilisation of biodegradable materials has become necessary in order to maintain global environmental and ecological balance. From a technical point of view the study has shown, these bio-based composites will enhance mechanical strength and acoustic performance, reduce material weight and fuel consumption, lower production cost, improve passenger safety and shatterproof performance under extreme temperature changes, and improve biodegradability for the auto interior parts. The rising concern towards environmental issues and, on the other hand, the need for more versatile polymer-based materials has led to increasing interest about polymer composites filled with natural-organic fillers, i.e. fillers coming from renewable sources and biodegradable. The composites usually referred to as “green”, can find several industrial applications. Efforts are employed to improve bio-polymer and more competitive. Global warming, the growing awareness of environmental and waste management issues, dwindling fossil resources, and rising oil prices: these are some of the reasons why “bio”products are increasingly being promoted for sustainable development. “Bio”products, such as starchy and cellulosic polymers, have been used for thousands of years for food, furniture and clothing. But it is only in the past two decades that “bio”products have experienced a renaissance, with substantial commercial production. Recent technological breakthroughs have substantially improved the properties of some bio-based polymers, such as heat resistant polylactic acid, enabling a wider range of applications. An increasing number of applications have emerged recently (including packaging, biomedical products, textiles, agriculture, household use and building) where biodegradable polymers and biocomposites are particularly suitable as sustainable alternatives. Composites are very useful in replacing some of the petroleum based composites in use today and reducing the amount of plastics in the landfills. These products find applications in ceilings, partition, doors, rims, panels, aircraft, ships, etc. Green composites are essential since it promote agricultural growth, give eco-friendly products, conserve the nature and bringing opening for new market.
M. S. Sreekala