4. Matrices for biocomposites ◦ The composites’ shape, surface appearance, environmental tolerance and overall durability are dominated by the matrix while the fibrous reinforcement carries most of the structural loads, thus providing macroscopic stiffness and strength.
◦ The polymer market is dominated by commodity plastics with 80% consuming materials based on non-renewable petroleum resources. ◦ Governments, companies and scientists are driven to find an alternative matrix to the conventional petroleum based matrix through public awareness of the environment, climate change and limited fossil fuel resources.
◦ Therefore biobased plastics, which consist of renewable resources, have experienced a renaissance in the past few decades.
◦ Figure 5 shows that the matrices currently used in bio fiber composites depend on biobased or petroleum based plastics and also on their biodegradability.