264 Introduction to Renewable Biomaterials
Oil-based polymers represent one of the most used materials in our daily life, thanks
to their properties and costs. One of the first attempts to avoid petroleum sources was
to produce these polymers from natural sources. As a consequence, bio-polyolefins
have been developed, such as bio-polyethylene: the ethylene monomer is derived from
ethanol, which can be produced by the fermentation of natural sources like sugar cane,
corn or beet.
Generally, the hydrophobicity of oil-based polymers is one of the distinguishing
features from bio-derived polymers: this hydrophobicity allows obtaining a good
moisture resistance, preventing from bacterial attacks and reducing the water uptake.
Thus, bio-derived and conventional oil-based polymer blends could produce unique
and interesting composites, mixing their properties and compensating for defects.
Because of their different hydrophilic character, wide attention is given to compatibility
between them. Many efforts have been focused on optimizing these blends, such as the
introduction of coupling agents, ionic liquids and nanoparticles (zeolites, nanoclays,
nanosilicas, etc.).
According to what has been said until now, many studies will be focused on these
themes, trying to keep improving oil-based and bio-derived blends and composites, as
these materials represent the future of our daily life.
8.5 Questions for Further Consideration
- Will blend composed of oil-based and bio-derived polymers be matrices for WPC
composites, improving in this way the bio-derived charge?
- Could it be possible to totally replace virgin wood in the future?
- Could cellulose fibres be the future?
- Will the traditional industry evolve in an industry based on the valorization of wastes?
- Are we ready for a new era of polymer materials?
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