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2.2.3.6.1 Synthesis of nanomaterials from plant materials

Most polymeric materials for packaging, casings, composite components have traditionally been manufactured from fossil-fuel derivatives.  However, the increasing costs of oil and consumer demand for alternative sustainable methods which have a lower environmental footprint have led a number of organisations to explore “green” material production, that is from renewable or sustainable sources that do not generate large amounts of waste (particularly hazardous solvents).  In recent years, agricultural waste products have drawn attention as alternatives to fossil-fuel derivatives.

Nanocomposites afford enhanced properties compared with micro or macro composite materials.  This can include increased strength and impermeability, while not increasing weight.  The use of nano-clays to enhance the properties of fossil-fuel derived polymers such as nylon has already been realised by companies such as Bayer, Nanocor, and Honeywell which manufacture shatter-proof beverage bottles and transparent packaging.

In turn, nanocomposites based on biomaterials are attracting more attention because of their novel properties, that they do not depend on fossil fuels and are renewable, and also because they generally require less energy to manufacture, use less harmful chemicals, have fewer waste products and can be compostable.  Many processes are being developed now that make use of traditionally harvested materials, e.g. wood pulp, or agricultural waste products, such as straw, and soybean husks[i]^,[ii].  For example, electrospinning can be used to produce cellulose nanofibres, which when mixed with other chemicals can be used to create composite materials with specific properties[iii].