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Properties and potential of bio fibres, bio binders, and bio composites

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254 Adv. Mater. Sci. 30 (2012) 254-261
Rev. P. Asokan, M. Firdoous and W. Sonal

PROPERTIES AND POTENTIAL OF BIO FIBRES, BIO

BINDERS, AND BIO COMPOSITES

P. Asokan, M. Firdoous and W. Sonal

CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Habibganj Naka, Bhopal-462064, India
Received: January 30, 2012

Abstract. It is imperative to understand about the properties of biodegradable composites and

raw materials used in making such composites which are being used for biomedical, automobiles,
packaging and other engineering applications. Production of biodegradable composites from
renewable sources is a challenging task for researchers to meet the future demand for environ-
mental friendly materials. This review paper addresses the mechanical properties of bio-fiber,
bio-binders, and bio-composite that are considered as major thrust for contemporary and future
research for bio-composite formation for high value added applications.

1. INTRODUCTION sugarcane, and other agricultural residues may also

prove to be proficient for use as bio-fibre.
Bio composites from renewable resources gained
BBC has immense applications in the field of
much importance universally, because of their
biomedical, agriculture, packaging and other allied
biodegradable nature. Bio-composites are most
engineering fields. The only limitation of BBC is
suitable materials profound in nature for their use in
hydrophilicity. The scope of the review is to bring
various fields due to their eco-friendly advantages
forth the properties of different bio-fibres, bio-bind-
[1]. Bio-composites are manufactured using bio-
ers and bio-binder reinforced fully bio-degradable
polymer as binder and natural fibre as the
composites that would attract many researchers at-
reinforcement material. Depending on the origin,
tention to focus on future need and importance of
natural fibres are classified as leaf, seed, and bast
fully biodegradable composites.
or fruit fibre. Natural bio-fibre derived bio-composites
(BBC) are renewable, light weight, energy proficient,
biodegradable, environmental friendly and bio 2. BIO FIBRES AND THEIR
compatible as compared to other binder fabric MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
composites [2]. Now-a-days research in polymer Natural fibres are categorised based on their origin
science and technology is mainly focused on which are from plants, animals or mineral sources.
composites made from renewable resources [3]. However, bio-fibres are purely derived from vegetative
BBC is the challenging issue among researchers sources which are fully biodegradable in nature. The
all over the world because of the necessity of biode-
main components of bio- fibres are cellulose, lignin,
gradable composites at large scale. The major hemicelluloses, pectin and wax. The beneficial
sources of natural fibres are hemp, flax, sisal, jute,
engineering properties of bio-fibres are specific
coir, banana, bamboo, sun hemp, and pineapple. strength, low density, high toughness, good thermal
However, other fibres viz rice, wheat-straw, soybean,
properties as compared to most of the synthetic
Corresponding author: P. Asokan, e-mail: [email protected]

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Properties and potential of bio fibres, bio binders, and bio composites 255

Table 1. Mechanical properties of bio fibres.

Fibre Density(g/cm3) Tensile Tensile Elongation Reference

Strength(MPa) Modulus(GPa) at Break (%)

Jute 1.3-1.46 345-1500 2.7-12.6 7.0-8.0 [18-19]

Flax 1.29-1.5 345-1100 27.6-160 1.5-5.0 [18-20]
Sisal 1.35-145 468-640 9.4-24 3-7-4 [19-20, 21]
Banana 1.3-1.35 54-789 3.4-32 2-7 [47,48]
PALF 1.44 170-635 6.26-24.6 3 [18,49]
Hemp 1.0-1.40 310-750 30-60 - [50]

polymers, reduced tool wear, respiratory irritation Presently, a number of industries are involved in pro-
and ease of processing. Bio-fibres find many appli- duction of PLA and mostly pronounced in USA,
cations in bio medical, food packaging, geotextile, Germany ang China [8].
architecture, composites and automotive transpor-
tation and general system. Bio- based fibres shows 3.2. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
adequate results in terms of mechanical properties.
There is the possibility to make composite along Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biopolysters synthe-
with bio-binders to attain requisite materials proper- sized as carbon and energy reserves by a wide va-
ties. Some commonly used bio-fibres and their riety of microorganism [9]. In Polyhydroxy-
mechanical properties are shown in Table 1. alkanoates, polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) is frequently
used, which is composed of monomeric units of 3-
hydroxybutyric acid. Owing to the fully biodegrad-
3. BIO BINDERS AND THEIR
able nature of PHB, it has high demand in the mar-
APPLICATIONS ket for the purpose of packaging material, dispos-
Bio-binders commonly known as biopolymer are able items and special devices for medical applica-
compounds obtained from natural resources and are tion. Presently, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI)
consisting of monomeric units that are covalently produce this biodegradable polymer on a large scale
bonded to form larger structures. Bio-binders vary under trade name Biopol [10]. Biopol is the copoly-
among their melt flow indices, impact properties, mer of polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) and
hardness, vapour transmission characteristics, co- polyhydroxyvariate (PHBV).
efficient of friction and decomposition. The
engineering properties such as tensile strength, ten- 3.3. Polycaprolactone
sile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and
Polycaprolactone is prepared by ring opening poly-
density. Water absorption of bio-binders would also
merization of caprolactone and is obtained from
vary depending on the chemistry of bio-binder
petroleum resources [11]. Polycaprolactone also
processing condition etc. (Table 2). Bio-binders find
posses biodegradable nature and is used for con-
many applications in a number of field such as drug
trolled release of drugs and packaging [12]. Many
delivery system, wound healing, food containers and
industries and pharmaceutical companies such as
agricultural films, waste bags, soil retention sheet-
Solvay, Union carbide etc. use polycaprolactone for
ing, filtration, hygiene and protective clothing, and
different commercial purposes. In spite of its impor-
automobile industries [4-6]. There are many types
tance, little is known about polycaprolactone and
of bio binders and among them, the most common
its blends. The mechanical properties of bio-bind-
bio- binders are summarised below.
ers are discussed below.

3.1. Poly lactic acid (PLA)

4. PROPERTIES OF BIO BINDERS
Polylactic acid is a biodegradable polymer obtained
Materials made from composite are used for variety
from natural resources (renewable sources) via ring
of applications and density is one of the important
opening polymerization of lactides, where the lactic
parameter to consider the material for a specific
acid monomers are obtained through fermentation
application. The density of commercially available
process [7]. Due to the biodegradable nature of PLA,
bio-polymer varies from 0.25-1.26 g/cm3 [13,14, 16].
the annual demand of PLA is increasing day by day.
256 P. Asokan, M. Firdoous and W. Sonal
Properties and potential of bio fibres, bio binders, and bio composites 257

Fig. 1. Mechanical properties of Bio-binders.

Fig. 2. Mechanical properties of Bio-binders.

Low density materials is preferred, because of sev- showed maximum tensile modulus 7.7 GPa followed
eral reasons viz energy efficient, easy handling and by Polylactide (PLA) but, Poly -3-hydroxybutyrate
low cost. As shown in Fig. 1, the highest density of (P-3-Hb), Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3 hydroxy-
bio-binder was found in Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P- valerate (P-3-Hb-3-Hv) have similar tensile modulus
3-Hb) followed by Polylactide (PLA), 3.5 GPa each.
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate Very limited work is reported the flexural proper-
(P-4-Hb), Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Poly-3- ties of PLA, Fig. 3. As reported so for the flexural
hydroxybutyrate-co-3 hydroxyvalerate (P-3-Hb-3-Hv). strength of neat PLA was 95-105 MPa and the
Tensile strength of different bio polymer is re- flexural modulus was about 3.4 MPa [14,23,25]. The
ported in Fig. 2, Table 2. The highest tensile strength impact strength of PLA was reported to be 16.66-30
& AMcM O [P PU ZA[X e Te P[d eNaeM Kj/m2 [22,23,25].
(P-4-Hb) followed by Polylactide (PLA). But Poly-3- Elongation determines how much deformation
hydroxybutyrate-co-3 hydroxyvalerate (P-3-Hb-3-Hv), occurs in the materials under stress. The highest
Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P-3-Hb) and Polyhydroxy- elongation is found in Poly - 4-hydroxybutyrate (P-
butyrate (PHB) show almost similar tensile strength. 4-Hb) (Fig. 1). Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polylactide
Polycaprolactone (PCL) exhibit minimum tensile (PLA), Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3 hydroxyvalerate
strength 23 MPa. (P-3-Hb-3-Hv). However Poly -3-hydroxybutyrate (P-
Tensile modulus is another important mechani- 3-Hb) and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) showed simi-
cal property of bio-binder which measures stiffness lar elongation. It is observed that there is consider-
of materials. Fig. 2 shows the tensile modulus of able variation in densities and elongation of different
different biobinders. Among the reported modulus bio-binders and there is considerable scope for syn-
of different bio-binders, Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
258 P. Asokan, M. Firdoous and W. Sonal

Fig. 3. Mechanical properties of Bio-binders and their composites.

Fig. 4. Mechanical properties of PLA and its composites.

thesizing of further improved quality of bio binder to with Hemp and minimum tensile strength was found
meet the needs of tomorrow world. when Polycaprolactone bio binder was reinforced
with flax fibre [15].
5. BIO COMPOSITES AND THEIR The tensile modulus of biocomposites varied with
ADVANTAGES addiction of different bio binders and bio fibres. The
tensile modulus of such composites are shown in
Biocomposites are manufactured using bio binder Fig. 3, where the maximum tensile modulus was
and bio fibre which are fully bio degradable, Table 3. 20 GPa reported in PLA with sisal fibre and lowest
Biocomposites has many advantages, they are modulus reported in Polycaprolactone bio-binder
relatively cost effective, exhibit good thermal and reinforced with flax fibre [15].
dimensional stability, low coefficient of friction and Modulus of rupture or flexural strength shows
low density. Bio composites are mainly used in high the materials ability to resist deformation under load.
end use applications such as tissue engineering, Work done by several researchers revealed that
automotive industries and aeronautical engineering, there is considerable variation in flexural strength of
etc. BBC and is depends on the properties of bio-fibres,
It has been reported that bio-binders reinforced bio-binders and fabrication techniques (Fig. 4). It is
with bio fibres showed considerable improvement in to note that highest strength is reported in PLA re-
tensile properties of biocomposites [25]. It is inforced with hemp fibre and lowest modulus is re-
apparent from the work done so far on biodegrad- ported in Polycaprolactone bio-binder reinforced with
able composites that the tensile strength of fully flax fibre.
biodegradable composites varied from 20-73 MPa Flexural modulus represents the ability of bend.
and maximum tensile strength 73 MPa was recorded This is an important property of any composite. As
when the composites fabricated using PLA reinforced shown in Fig. 4, maximum flexural modulus (19 GPa)
Properties and potential of bio fibres, bio binders, and bio composites 259

Fig. 5. Mechanical properties of Bio composites.

is reported with PLA reinforced with sisal fibre and MPa) was found to be in poly-4- hydroxybutyrate
lowest (1.9 GPa) in Polycaprolactone bio-binder with a tensile modulus of 7.7 GPa. But, minimum
reinforced with flax fibre. elongation (0.4%) was found in poly-3-
Similarly, highest elongation of BBC was found hydroxybutyrate. The mechanical properties of bio
to be in PLA reinforced with jute fibre (Fig. 5). composites were significantly influenced by the re-
Whereas the lowest is in PLA reinforced with flax inforcement of bio fibres combined with bio binder.
fibre [17].The impact properties help us to deter- As reported, maximum tensile strength (73 MPa)
mine the toughening of a material. Work done by and flexural strength (102 MPa) were found in hemp
several researchers showed that highest impact fibre reinforced PLA composites. Nevertheless, im-
strength was reported in PLA reinforced with jute pact strength was found to be highest in PHB-flax
fibre (Fig. 5). Lowest impact strength [3.5 kj/m2] was fibre composites (70 kj/m2) but the flexural modulus
in PLA reinforced with flax composite. (100 MPa) and tensile modulus (20 GPa) of com-
Bio composites cater to the needs of several posite was reported as maximum in PLA reinforced
industries including automobile, biomedical and with sisal fibre.
allied engineering industries. We should strive to In many polymer matrix composites, glass fi-
make bio-composites having high tensile strength bre, carbon fibre and petroleum based synthetic fi-
and flexural strength and lower elongation and bres have been frequently used. Universally, envi-
density so that it becomes eco-compatible polymer ronmental threat due to exploitation of non renew-
composite. Especially, it will help to reduce the cost able resources become a prime concerns which pri-
and increase eco-friendless along with best com- oritizes the need of exploitation of renewable re-
posite products used in daily life. sources for the development of new materials that
could be used as an alternative to the convention-
6. CONCLUSIONS ally used composite materials for construction, au-
tomotive, locomotive, aerospace, biomedical, pack-
It is evident from the present study that there is a aging and other commercial purposes. Bio-fibres are
wide variation in the mechanical properties of bio traditionally used for making rope, cordage, twines,
fibres. Jute fibre and banana fibre showed much cables, anchors, binders, nets, textiles, door mats,
variation in their tensile strength than that of other rugs, carpets, hats, sandals, and brushes but not
bio fibres. It is perceptible that the properties of bio exploited for effective utility in engineering applica-
fibres depend on the plant variety, growing condi- tion as reinforcing materials in bio composites. Bio-
tions, age of the plant and fibre extraction process. fibres are eco-friendly, cost-effective, lighter in weight
Bio-binder or biodegradable plastic is mostly and renewable and have potential to use in com-
synthesised from bio-resources such as corn, wheat, posites. Such renewable natural resources can be
rice, potato, soybean, sunflower, blood meals and beneficially exploited to engender innovative bio-
its properties varies significantly depending on their composites for dual benefit. The present study re-
chemical structure, grade and quality. Work done vealed that there is a wide variation in the mechani-
so far revealed that maximum tensile strength (104 cal properties of biocomposites and therefore, it is
260 P. Asokan, M. Firdoous and W. Sonal

imperative to carry out advanced research on the [12] A-C. Albertsson and I.K. Varma // Advances
engineering chemistry of bio fibres, bio binders and in Polymer Science 157 (2002) 1.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS [15] A. Arbelaiz, B. Fernandez, A. Valea and
I. Mondragon // Carbohydrate Polymers 64
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Advanced Materials and Processes Research [16] Polymer Properties, Metabolix Technology
Institute (AMPRI) Bhopal for the support and Profile, via http://www.metabolix.com
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of Mr. P.K. Srivastava and other staff members of Composites Science and Technology 63
CSIR-AMPRI Bhopal is thankfully acknowledged. (2003) 1317.
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