Nasmi Herlina Sari^1,*, Suteja¹, Widya Fatriasari²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1521-1546, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0058 - 22 August 2025

Abstract Composites made from biopolymers and natural fibers are gaining popularity as alternative sustainable structural materials. Biopolyesters including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), when mixed with natural fibers such as kenaf, hemp, and jute, provide an environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional fossil-based materials. This article examines current research on developments in the integration of biopolymers with natural fibers, with a focus on enhancing mechanical, thermal, and sustainability. Innovative approaches to surface treatment of natural fibers, such as biological and chemical treatments, have demonstrated enhanced adhesion with biopolymer matrices, increasing attributes such as… More > Graphic Abstract

Aleksandra Jeżo^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.6, pp. 1029-1042, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.051330 - 02 August 2024

Abstract Bark extracts are sustainable sources of biopolymers and hold great promise for replacing fossil fuel-based polymers, for example, in wood-based composites. In addition to primary and secondary metabolites, tree bark also contains suberin, which plays a major role in protecting the tree from environmental conditions. Suberin is a natural aliphatic-aromatic cross-linked polyester present in the cell walls of both normal and damaged external tissues, the main component of which are long-chain aliphatic acids. Its main role as a plant ingredient is to protect against microbiological factors and water loss. One of the most important suberin More >

Marion Noël^1,*, Warren Grigsby², Thomas Volkmer¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.2, No.4, pp. 291-305, 2014, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2014.634118

Abstract Oligomer systems based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) were impregnated in wood and polymerized in situ to improve the dimensional stability of the treated wood. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used to characterize the impact on the treated wood properties. Cell wall bulking treatments (PLA and PGA oligomers: OLA and OGA) induced softening and plasticization of wood components. Lumen fi lling treatments (PBS and PBA oligomers: OBS and OBA) led to minor decreases in treated wood stiffness with any softening dependent on the polymer melt More >