Natural fiber welding (NFW) was used to create composite materials from traditionally difficult to process biopolymers, such as cellulose. The mechanical properties of these composites were measured and compared to those of common synthetic polymers. The use of NFW as a means to modify the functionality of biopolymers was quantified by treating substrates with biopolymers that have antimicrobial properties, such as chitin and chitosan, and measuring the growth inhibition of GFP containing E. coli. NFW was used to entrap functional particles in a natural fiber matrix. Spatially controlled NFW using inkjet printing was examined, and printed circuits were prepared using conductive additives.
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