Natural Fiber-Based Polymer Composites for Biomedical Applications
Emel Kuram
Abstract
Natural fibers such as kenaf, sisal, ramie, jute, hemp, flax, coir, banana and bamboo have been employed in the production of biocomposites. A great strength-to-weight ratio, renewability and sustainability are some important properties of natural fibers. Biocomposites produced from natural fibers are employed in biomedical fields such as delivery of drug, orthopaedic applications, tissue engineering and wound dressing owing to their acceptability by the human body, moderate mechanical performance and environmental benefits. This study presents recent advances in the field of polymers and natural fiber-based polymer composites for potential biomedical applications. For this purpose, the properties of natural fibers are given and detailed examples from literature works for polymers and their composites used in biomedical applications are discussed.