ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the importance of algal fibers over synthetic and natural fibers, processing technique, commercial applications, and future scope of algal biocomposites. Algae-based composites are seen as the future of the industry with more reduction in costs and better quality in the coming years. Fibers originating from natural sources such as plants, animals, or algae are considered natural fibers. Natural/bio-based fibers are preferred choice over synthetic fibers for commercial applications. Algae are simple photosynthetic organisms ranging from microscopic species to large seaweeds. The extraction of algae generally recommended for the paper and pulp industry involves sequential steps of chemical treatments to obtain high yields of cellulose fibers. Natural fibers are processed to enhance the fiber strength, facilitate handling, and endure the downstream processing equipment such as looms. Algae fibrils from Cladophora, Lyngbya, and Gelidium are suggested to be used as structural components in construction materials such as hurricane-resistant houses, door panels, and armrests.
