Ecobionanocomposites: A new class of green materials

摘要

Ecological concerns are a predominant theme for the 21st century; humanity must develop sustainable systems for materials and fuels. Biologically derived and inspired materials offer hope for achieving this important goal. Also, nanotechnology is rapidly expanding and its convergence with both biology and ecology is now being recognized. Ecobionanocomposites are a new class of green materials that exploit this triple convergence of technologies.Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites are representative of these new green materials. PLA is derived from renewable resources utilizing biotechnology and is an ecologically attractive alternative to increasingly expensive petroleum based plastics. Similarly, cellulose is a natural biological polymer with a host of important properties including structural hierarchy at the nanoscale. A novel approach towards nanocomposites using hydroxyl groups on the surface of cellulose fibers to initiate the polymerization reaction of lactide is reported. It is demonstrated that the use of reactive compatibilization offers unique opportunities in creating new and value added ecobionanocomposites.