About this Research Topic
The field of bio-based polymer composites has garnered significant attention due to the growing environmental awareness, depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and the fluctuating prices of petroleum-based materials. Bio-based polymers are increasingly recognized as viable alternatives to their petroleum-derived counterparts, offering sustainability, eco-efficiency, and biodegradability. Recent advancements in the bio-based industry have led to the development of mature technologies for preparing bio-based monomers from natural sources such as vegetable oils, natural acids, lignin, and polysaccharides. Despite these advancements, bio-based polymers still face challenges such as poor crystallizability, heat resistance, and mechanical properties compared to commercial petroleum-derived polymers. To address these issues, researchers are exploring the use of natural additives and polymers to enhance the properties of bio-based polymers. However, the reliance on bio-based raw materials for synthesizing starting monomers remains a significant limitation, necessitating further investigation into new bio-based monomers and synthetic routes.
This Research Topic aims to explore the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of bio-based polymers and their blends/composites. The primary objectives include addressing the current limitations of bio-based polymers, such as their mechanical and thermal properties, and investigating new bio-based monomers and synthetic routes. Specific questions to be answered include: How can the mechanical and thermal properties of bio-based polymers be improved using natural additives? What are the most promising new bio-based monomers for polymer synthesis? How can the life cycle of bio-based polymers be assessed to ensure their sustainability?
To gather further insights into the development and application of bio-based polymer composites, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Design of bio-based polymers
- Synthesis of bio-based polymers
- Physics of bio-based polymers
- Biomimicry using bio-based polymers
- Biodegradability of polymers
- Life cycle assessment
- Bio-based additives for polymers
- Polymer blending
- Processing and performance of bio-based polymers
- Application of bio-based polymers
This Research Topic aims to explore the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of bio-based polymers and their blends/composites. The primary objectives include addressing the current limitations of bio-based polymers, such as their mechanical and thermal properties, and investigating new bio-based monomers and synthetic routes. Specific questions to be answered include: How can the mechanical and thermal properties of bio-based polymers be improved using natural additives? What are the most promising new bio-based monomers for polymer synthesis? How can the life cycle of bio-based polymers be assessed to ensure their sustainability?
To gather further insights into the development and application of bio-based polymer composites, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Design of bio-based polymers
- Synthesis of bio-based polymers
- Physics of bio-based polymers
- Biomimicry using bio-based polymers
- Biodegradability of polymers
- Life cycle assessment
- Bio-based additives for polymers
- Polymer blending
- Processing and performance of bio-based polymers
- Application of bio-based polymers
Keywords: Bio-based Polymers, Biodegradable Behaviors, Bio-based composites, Eco-friendly Polymers, Bio-based Additives, Sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, Polymer Blending, Biodegradability
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
