Biodegradable Composite Material for Construction Application

Abstract

In recent years, construction sector has been under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts. One promising avenue is utilization of biodegradable composite materials, which offer a potential solution to address the challenges posed by traditional construction materials. This abstract aims to explore the current state of research and development in biodegradable composite materials for construction applications, with a focus on their properties, fabrication methods, and potential advantages. Biodegradable composite materials are typically composed of natural fibers or fillers embedded within a biodegradable polymer matrix. These materials have several advantages over conventional construction materials, including reduced environmental footprint, lower embodied energy, and ability to biodegrade at the end of their service life, thereby minimizing waste and pollution. Moreover, biodegradable composites can exhibit comparable mechanical properties to traditional materials, making them suitable for a wide range of construction applications. Various natural fibers such as bamboo, hemp, jute, and flax are commonly used as reinforcements in biodegradable composites due to their abundance, renewability, and low cost. These fibers are combined with biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), or starch-based polymers to create composite materials with tailored properties. Fabrication methods for biodegradable composites include compression molding, extrusion, and injection molding, among others. These methods allow for production of complex shapes and structures suitable for construction applications. Overall, biodegradable composite materials hold significant promise for sustainable construction, offering a renewable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional construction materials.