Bio-Based Materials: Advancing in Synthesis of Biopolymers and in Natural Fiber Composites

Nowadays, the concept of sustainability in the production of polymeric materials suitable for industrial and biomedical applications has assumed considerable importance and interest from the world of scientific research. The excessive use of fossil-based raw materials and the issues that arise from the manufacturing process of these contributes to increasing the global warming. In this regard, attention has shifted towards using bioresources and sustainable processes that promote the development of a bio-based economy. The synthesis and employment of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers represent a solution to reduce excessive petroleum-based polymers consumption and pollutions, as an eco-friendly solution to the environmental issues. This work, carried out in the Prof. Marcantoni’s research group at the University of Camerino (Italy) with the collaboration of HP Composites S.p.A. from November 2021 to November 2024, had the objective to develop sustainable materials for high performances composites application and the study of bio- based polymers. Following the same line of research, 6 months, from January 2024 to July 2024, were carried out in the research group of Professor Timothy Long, at the Arizona State University (Arizona), in Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing. The introductory chapter focuses on the study of the state of the art of biomaterials. A thorough examination of bio-reinforced composites, specifically the development of organic functionalization of natural fibers to enhance their durability and applicability, is presented in the second chapter; the Part II then explores the extrusion process of hemp-polyurea composites as well as the investigation of the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The third chapter focuses on synthetic bio-based polymers and is made up of Part I, in which the synthesis of bio-based PUA with the employment of a new non-toxic and ecosustainable catalytic system was reported, and Part II concerning the sustainable 3Dprinting of itaconic anhydride-based polymer.