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Biocomposite materials are essential for environmental protection, as they have the ability of substituting synthetic plastic with natural materials. This work investigated how different plasticizers (Glycerol (G), Fructose (F), Sorbitol (S), and Urea (U)) affect the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and physical characteristics of films made of wheat starch at various concentrations (0%, 15%, 25%, and 35%). Plasticizers were added to improve the flexibility and homogeneity of the wheat starch-based bioplastic. Control film exhibited high tensile strength (38.7 MPa) with low elongation (1.9%). However, films plasticized with 35% sorbitol showed the highest elongation, which was 60.7% at break. At 35% of all plasticizers, fructose showed the highest tensile strength, with 7.6 MPa. The addition of different plasticizers shows improvement in water resistance; films plasticized with glycerol had the lowest water absorption at 35% fructose (187.4%) and also showed coherent surfaces. Glycerol, sorbitol, and urea films showed a higher mass loss compared to fructose films. Fructose showed the highest performance after the analysis of the results, with low water absorption, water content, and mass loss and with high mechanical performance at 35% of fructose. SEM images show that the addition of fructose and glycerol improves the surface homogenate, while sorbitol and urea have a less compact structure with large pores.

This research is driven by stringent environmental legislation requiring the consumption and use of environmentally friendly materials. In this context, this paper is concerned with the development and characterization of thermoplastic arrowroot starch (TPAS) based biocomposite films by incorporating arrowroot fiber (AF) (0-10%) into a glycerol plasticized matrix by using the solution casting method. Developed TPAS/AF composite films were investigated, such as physical, morphological (FESEM), tensile, and tear strength characteristics. The tensile and tear strengths of TPAS/AF composites were increased significantly from 4.77 to 15.22 MPa and 0.87 to 1.28 MPa, respectively, as compared to the control TPAS films, which were 2.42 MPa and 0.83 MPa, respectively, while elongation was significantly decreased from 25.57 to 6.21% compared to control TPAS film, which was 46.62%. The findings revealed that after the fiber was reinforced, the mechanical properties were enhanced, and the optimum filler content was 10%. Regardless of fiber loadings, the results of water absorption testing revealed that the composite films immersed in seawater and rainwater absorbed more water than distilled water. Overall, the results of this research focus on providing information on biopolymer composite film and revealing the great potential it has for the food packaging industry.

Biocomposite materials have a significant function in saving the environment by replacing artificial plastic materials with natural substances. They have been enrolled in many applications, such as housing, automotive engine components, aerospace and military products, electronic and circuit board components, and oil and gas equipment. Therefore, continuous studies have been employed to improve their mechanical, thermal, physical properties. In this research, we conduct a comprehensive review about corn fiber and corn starch-based biocomposite. The results gained from previous studies were compared and discussed. Firstly, the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of cornstarch-based composite were discussed. Then, the effects of various types of plasticizers on the flexibility of the cornstarch-based composite were addressed. The effects of chemical treatments on the properties of biocomposite using different cross-linking agents were discussed. The corn fiber surface treatment to enhance interfacial adhesion between natural fiber and polymeric matrix also were addressed. Finally, morphological characterization, crystallinity degree, and measurement of vapor permeability, degradation, and uptake of water were discussed. The mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties of corn starch and fibers-based biopolymers show a significant improvement through plasticizing, chemical treatment, grafting, and cross-linker agent procedures, which expands their potential applications.

"Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties and Applications" is a newly open Special Issue of Polymers, which aims to publish original and review papers on new scientific and applied research and make boundless contributions to the finding and understanding of the reinforcing effects of various synthetic and natural fibres on the performance of biopolymer composites [...]

The bio-inspired structure (e.g., honeycomb) has been studied for its ability to absorb energy and its high strength. The cell size and wall thickness are the main elements that alter the structural ability to withstand load and pressure. Moreover, adding a secondary structure can increase the compressive strength and energy absorption (EA) capability. In this study, the bio-inspired structures are fabricated by fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology using polylactic acid (PLA) material. Samples are printed in the shape of a honeycomb structure, and a starfish shape is used as its reinforcement. Hence, this study focuses on the compression strength and EA of different cell sizes of 20 and 30 mm with different wall thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. Subsequently, the deformation and failure of the structures are determined under the compression loading. It is found that the smaller cell size with smaller wall thickness offered a crush efficiency of 69% as compared to their larger cell size with thicker wall thickness counterparts. It is observed that for a 20 mm cell size, the EA and maximum peak load increase, respectively, when the wall thickness increases. It can be concluded that the compression strength and EA capability increase gradually as the cell size and wall thickness increase.