ABSTRACT
Composites in general have come a long way from its start in the early 1900s to the current state. Currently, five generations of composites are distinguished [2]:
First generation: petroleum feedstock-based materials for both matrix and filler
Second generation: composites consisting of two polymers or number of reinforcements
Third generation: use of natural fibers and renewable resources as fillers
Fourth generation: biodegradable composites Fifth generation: nanocomposites
Biocomposites, as all composites, are materials that consist of matrix and reinforcement. However, in this specific type of composites, the matrix is most commonly made of biodegradable polymers, while miscellaneous substances and fibers of natural origin are used as reinforcement (fillers). Biocomposites are very attractive due to their, sometimes surprising, properties, which are the result of combining material properties of matrix and filler. Aspiration for limiting influence of industry on the environment, the shortage of landfill space and fast-growing market of plastics are only a few reasons that drive efforts to develop new biocomposites.
