Bio‐Polypropylene and Polypropylene‐based Biocomposites: Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Suxi Wang, Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri, Xiang Yun Debbie Soo, Songlin Liu, Warintorn Thitsartarn, Beng Hoon Tan, Ady Suwardi, Zibiao Li, Qiang Zhu, Xian Jun Loh
Abstract
Polypropylene (PP) is among the most widely used commodity plastics in our everyday life due to its low cost, lightweight, easy processability, and exceptional chemical, thermo-mechanical characteristics. The growing awareness on energy and environmental crisis has driven global efforts for creating a circular economy via developing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics produced from fossil fuels for a variety of end-use applications. This review paper presents a brief outline of the emerging bio-based PP derived from renewable natural resources, covering its production routes, market analysis and potential utilizations. This contribution also provides a comprehensive review of the PP-based biocomposites produced with diverse green fillers generated from agro-industrial wastes, with particular emphasis on the structural modification, processing techniques, mechanical properties, and practical applications. Furthermore, given that the majority of PP products are currently destined for landfills, research progress on enhancing the degradation of PP and its biocomposites is also presented in light of the environmental concerns. Finally, a brief conclusion with discussions on challenges and future perspectives are provided.