Bio-Based Polymer Materials and Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites: From Processing to Industrial Applications

Submission Deadline: 30 December 2026 View: 34 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editor(s)

Prof. Mohd Sapuan Salit

Email: sapuan@upm.edu.my

Affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Research Interests: natural fibre composites

Dr. R.A. Ilyas

Email: ahmadilyas@utm.my

Affiliation: Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Research Interests: biocomposites, nanocellulose, biopackaging

Dr. Riza Wirawan

Email: riza.wirawan@itb.ac.id

Affiliation: Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia

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Research Interests: composite Materials, natural fiber composite, materials characterization

Summary

Bio-based polymer materials and natural fiber-reinforced composites are developing as viable sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers and synthetic composites. The escalation of environmental challenges, the exhaustion of fossil resources, and stringent regulations on plastic waste and carbon emissions have propelled research and industry towards the advancement of renewable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials. Natural fibres, including cellulose, hemp, flax, kenaf, jute, and agricultural byproducts, offer significant advantages such as low density, renewability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and favourable particular mechanical properties. These materials, when combined with bio-based polymer matrices, offer distinctive solutions for applications in packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, biomedical devices, and energy systems.

This special issue focuses on recent advancements in the design, manufacture, characterisation, functionalisation, and practical use of bio-based polymers and natural fibre reinforced composites.

 
The objective is to connect fundamental materials research with practical applications by showcasing innovative production techniques, structure-property relationships, performance enhancement,
recyclability, and commercialisation strategies.

Themes of the Special Issue:
1. Bio-based polymers: synthesis, modification, and characterization
2. Natural fiber extraction, treatment, and functionalization
3. Processing and manufacturing technologies for biocomposites
4. Structure–property relationships and performance evaluation
5. Sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable composite systems
6. Industrial applications in packaging, automotive, construction, biomedical, and energy sectors

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