Earth story: natural fibres and fillers
30 April 2024
This Compounding World feature discusses the rising popularity of polymers reinforced and functionalised with bio-based materials, focusing on performance-enhancing additives derived from lignin, hemp, cellulose, and other natural products. It explores the use of bio-based fillers and explores the contributions of companies such as Ford, Heartland Industries, and various research organizations in advancing sustainable materials for automotive components, industrial packaging, and construction applications. The challenges and opportunities of natural materials in plastic applications are also highlighted, including moisture, odour, and colour issues. Moreover, the article delves into developments in cellulose nanofibres, biocomposites, bio-based carbon, black fillers, PLA and lignin, and natural fibre plastic composites in construction applications.