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Sustainable Biodegradable Biocomposites Reinforced With Natural Fibers: A Review on Processing, Properties, and Degradation
Summary
As concern grows about plastic waste and microplastic pollution from synthetic polymers, this review examines biodegradable biocomposites reinforced with natural plant fibers as a more sustainable alternative. The authors find that these materials can match or exceed the mechanical performance of conventional plastics while actually degrading in the environment — but note a critical gap: lab biodegradation tests often do not reflect real-world conditions, creating uncertainty about how quickly these materials actually break down. Better standardized testing and lifecycle analysis are needed to confirm whether natural fiber biocomposites can genuinely replace conventional plastics at industrial scale.
ABSTRACT The growing use of synthetic polymers has generated great amounts of plastic waste and microplastics, which harm the environment. As a sustainable alternative, this review addresses the development of sustainable biodegradable biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers (SBBC‐NFs), considering key aspects such as: (i) formulation; component selection, (ii) processing; critical variables, (iii) mechanical properties; performance evaluation, (iv) biodegradation process; validation of techniques, (v) environmental impact; circular economy and life cycle assessment (LCA). Finally, we discuss current trends, limitations, and challenges to provide a comprehensive understanding of SBBC‐NFs. Nevertheless, limited information on their biodegradation rates and durability has generated uncertainty about their industrial feasibility. Despite this, research shows that these materials maintain or improve their mechanical performance, reduce costs, and lower carbon footprint while degrading in the natural environment. This review critically examines biodegradation conditions and reveals a significant misalignment with standardized testing. Key aspects are examined, including processing methods, polymer matrices, fiber properties, and compatibilizing agents, as well as the influence of fiber concentration and modification on mechanical performance. Finally, this review presents the SBBC‐NFs as a promising alternative and emphasizes the need to integrate LCA to support their development, identifying strategic opportunities for future research.