Natural Fibers and Biopolymer

Sporopollenin, The Least Known Yet Toughest Natural Biopolymer

Sporopollenin is highly cross-linked polymer composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is extraordinarily stable and has been found chemically intact in sedimentary rocks some 500 million years old. It makes up the outer shell (exine) of plant spores and pollen and when extracted it is in the form of an empty exine or microcapsule. The exines resemble the spores and pollen from which they a...

Comparison of dyeing of polyester fibers with natural dye and bio-mordant

In this study, dyeing of two regenerated polyester fibers, poly-trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and poly-lactic acid (PLA), with natural dyes were compared with that of poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber. Lac was used as the primary natural colorant while Catechu was chosen as a natural color that can also act as a biomordant. The effects of temperature, initial pH of dye bath and dyeing ...

Preparation of biopolymer fibers by electrospinning from room temperature ionic liquids.

Electrospinning is a versatile process used to prepare micro- and nano- sized fibers from various polymers dissolved in volatile solvents. In this report, cellulose and cellulose-heparin composite fibers are prepared from nonvolatile room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) solvents by electrospinning. RTILs are extracted from the biopolymer fiber after the fiber formation using a cosolvent. Micron...

Bioplastic and Biopolymer Production

Synthesis and characterization of fiber reinforced polymer scaffolds based on natural fibers and polymer for bone tissue engineering application

A wide range of materials and scaffolding fabrication methods for bone tissue engineering have beenexplored recently. Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) system appears to be a suitable system. By the exclusiveuse of biocompatible or bio-absorbable polymers and fibers, novel generation of scaffolds for applicationsin tissue engineering can be prepared. Mulberry Silk as highlighted...