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From Nature to Function: Natural Fiber Cellulose and Starch-Based Materials for a Sustainable Composites

Submission Deadline: 31 December 2025 View: 355 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Assist. Prof. Mochamad Asrofi

Email: asrofi.teknik@unej.ac.id

Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jember, Jember, 68121, Indonesia

Homepage:

Research Interests: natural fiber modification, nanocellulose, nanofiber cellulose, biocomposite, bionanocomposite, green composite, biopolymer composite, starch bioplastic, thermoplastic starch, materials characterization

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Summary

In the era of environmental concern and sustainability, the development of fully renewable materials has gained increasing attention across scientific and industrial communities. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements in the extraction, modification, and application of bio-based materials derived entirely from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, wood and non-wood plants, and starchy biomass. Natural cellulose fibers, nanocellulose, and starch-based polymers offer significant potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based materials, particularly in the development of biocomposites, bionanocomposites, and biodegradable plastics.


This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, and case studies focusing on innovative approaches for the valorization of biomass into functional materials. The scope includes material processing, surface modification, characterization, structure-property relationships, and performance analysis in various applications such as packaging, automotive, biomedical, and structural uses. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary contributions that bridge chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and engineering for a circular bioeconomy. Suggested themes include but are not limited to: 

(1) Extraction and modification of cellulose from agricultural waste

(2) Nanocellulose and nanofiber-based composites

(3) Thermoplastic starch and starch-based bioplastics

(4) Green synthesis of bio-based polymers

(5) Characterization and performance of renewable composites

(6) Biodegradability and life cycle assessment of bio-based materials


Keywords

natural fiber; nanocellulose; biocomposite; starch-based bioplastics; thermoplastic starch; agricultural waste valorization; renewable materials; green composites; sustainable polymers; materials characterization

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Valorisation of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) Bagasse into Cellulose Microfibers for the Reinforcement of Biocomposite Jicama Starch Films

    Devita Amelia, R. A. Ilyas, Hairul Abral, Mochamad Asrofi, Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi, Nasrullah Razali, Melbi Mahardika
    Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0147
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: From Nature to Function: Natural Fiber Cellulose and Starch-Based Materials for a Sustainable Composites)
    Abstract This study characterizes biocomposites derived from jicama starch and reinforced with microfibers obtained from jicama bagasse (JB). The incorporation of jicama bagasse microfibers into the jicama matrix was systematically varied at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt%. The starch film and biocomposite were prepared using solution casting methodologies, employing glycerol as a plasticizing agent. The biocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the moisture absorption and tensile properties were evaluated. The jicama starch contained 44% w/w amylose, whereas the jicama bagasse microfiber contained… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Enhancements in Oil Palm Fiber for Composite Material Development

    H. A. Aisyah, I. Nur Azreena, E. Hishamuddin, A.W. Noorshamsiana, N. M. Nurazzi
    Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0141
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: From Nature to Function: Natural Fiber Cellulose and Starch-Based Materials for a Sustainable Composites)
    Abstract Oil palm fiber is a natural fiber derived from agricultural biomass and has gained significant attention as an alternative reinforcement material in composite materials due to its abundance, renewability, and environmental benefits. This review explores the various enhancement techniques applied to oil palm fiber to improve its properties for composite material development. Key areas of focus include chemical treatments, physical modifications, and hybridization with other fibers to improve fiber-matrix bonding, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Integration of nanomaterials and bio-based resins to enhance the performance and sustainability of oil palm fiber composites is also discussed. More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Enhancements in Oil Palm Fiber for Composite Material Development

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