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Recent advances in functional utilisation of environmentally friendly and recyclable high-performance green biocomposites: A review

New publication by Zheng G, Kang X, Ye H, Fan W, Sonne C, Lam SS et al. Recent advances in functional utilisation of environmentally friendly and recyclable high-performance green biocomposites: A review. Chinese Chemical Letters. 2024 apr.;35(4):108817. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108817

Abstract:

Humans have relied on biomass for survival and development since the Stone Age. All aspects of human needs for materials are covered by tools, fuel, and buildings. Nowadays, metals and petroleum-based materials are widely used in highly developed industries. Unfortunately, environmental contamination and the loss of natural resources have led to the reemergence of biomass resources as efficient and sustainable energy sources. Notably, simple and direct applications can no longer meet the demand for functionalization, high performance of materials and construction materials. Therefore, it is imperative to modify biomass and combine its utilisation to produce functionalization and high performance materials. For example, construction materials with superior mechanical properties and water resistance can be produced by reinforcing fibres to facilitate crosslinking. Water-oil separation or adsorption effects of hydrogels and aerogels are determined by the porosity and lightness of biomass, biocomposite conductor is prepared by chimaeric conductive material. Here, we review the approaches that have been taken to devise an environmentally friendly yet fully recyclable and sustainable functionalised biocomposites from biomass and its potential directions for future research.