ABSTRACT
Renewable resources are used to make bio-based polymers, also known as bio-based resins (algae, bacteria, microorganisms, plants, etc.). Because of their biodegradability and improved performance after reinforcing, biobased polymers have received much attention as a possible replacement for conventional polymers. With the global depletion of crude oil reserves and rising environmental concerns, efforts are being made on a global scale to find viable alternatives to petroleum-based polymeric materials for a sustainable and green civilization. Innovative technologies for converting these natural resources into value-added chemicals, as well as revolutionary polymerization processes for producing high-performance, low-cost polymers with 20customizable architectures and functions, are critical components of longterm sustainability. Furthermore, developing state-of-the-art characterization methods for these novel materials is critical to exposing their unique structures and facilitating their implementation in new domains including sensors, structural components, and biological devices. Despite recent advances in renewable polymers such as PLA, most suggested bio-based materials are still far from commercialization and are unlikely to replace petroleum-based goods. Nanofillers and fibers have been added into bio-based polymer matrices to increase physical and thermomechanical characteristics. This special issue aims to provide a great platform for scientists and researchers working on bio-based polymers and composites to share their cutting-edge research on the conversion of natural resources into value-added chemicals, the modification and preparation of new bio-based polymers, as well as the characterization and application of bio-based polymers and composites.
