Biocomposites, also referred to as natural fibre composites ,
are composite materials i.e., formed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement (fibres),
in which the fibres are natural i.e., mainly formed by cellulose and therefore originating from plants.

Some of these fibres can be e.g., hemp, jute, flax, sisal, banana, kapok or phormium (New Zealand flax) .
It is desirable that the matrix too originates from cellulose or starch, so that a better compatibility is achieved in the material: an example of starch derived polymer is polylactic acid (PLA) .

Working on biocomposites can be challenging, because it is important for the environment and involves multidisciplinary competencies
(e.g., engineering and plant science).

RESEARCH

Biocomposites Centre -Bangor

Institute of Food Research

Biomimetics-Reading

The first natural composite is wood: know more about wood properties

To know more about plants in general, you can go to this other page or, if you read Italian, to this one.