Green Composite Materials from Biopolymers Reinforced with Agroforestry Waste

Environmental concerns have triggered the development of green composites as a replacement of non-degradable polymers. A variety of biopolymers, including polysaccharides, polyesters and proteins are reported to be used as matrices. Such biopolymers feature low mechanical and thermic properties. In order to improve the properties of these biopolymeric matrices, organic fillers derived from agroforestry wastes can be used. This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review of the development of fully green composite materials. A systematical classification based on the chemical structure of the biopolymeric matrices and the morphology of the natural reinforcements is proposed. In most cases, treatments and additives are used to prepare these green composites and overcome the problems related to poor biopolymer-filler interaction. Several applications as well as the improved mechanical, thermic and barrier properties of various green composite are also discussed.