Published Paper Details:

This review provides an overview of current research directions in bio-composite materials, highlighting their potential for sustainable applications and promoting a circular economy. Key bio-composite materials for reuse and recycling are presented, including Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), furanose polyesters, and natural fibers used for composite applications which are biodegradable, eco-friendly and with low carbon emissions. Research and development of bio-composites made of agricultural by-products (eg: coffee silver skin) and high-performance fibers are the potential for packaging material, civil engineering and electronics use. There are, however, several challenges in the use of bio-composites such as durability issues, mechanical strength, and issues related to scale-up, which validate the need for more studies of the service life of bio-composites under different environmental conditions. Other processing methods like high-performance discontinuous fiber (HiPerDiF) technology plays a significant role in improving these material properties to meet the objective of sustainability. The latest developments highlight the enhanced life cycle characteristics of bio-composites such as decreased emission of greenhouse gases, and reduced fossil fuel consumption. Notably, flax-reinforced bio-composites and lignin-based nanofiber mats show improved properties highlighting the improvement in properties such as durability, thermal stability and higher-value applications such as filtration and drug delivery. Bio-composites are renewable and could be more efficient than the conventional product materials; nevertheless, addressing the challenges of bio-composites in terms of durability and performance is a major key for global investment in bio-composites. Further research on these materials holds promise for widespread adoption across various sectors, contributing significantly to sustainability and innovative engineering designs.