Engineering Materials on the Base of Bioplastics Applied in Automotive Industry: A Short Study

Traditional plastics currently represent a wide range of materials of petrochemical origin with specific properties. Plastics are characterized by low weight/density/thermal conductivity, high resistance to corrosion, malleability, variability of use and, finally, the possibility of modifying the surface properties by using surface treatment technologies. If they are not recycled, they accumulate, pollute the environment and contribute to global warming. Scientists are trying to find an adequate substitute for traditional plastics with a low degree of environmental burden. Bioplastics are alternative, materials completely/partially obtained from biomass. The presented article defines the terms: bioplastics, biodegradability, diversifies conventional plastics versus bioplastics, describes the applications of selected bioplastics regarding the automotive industry and, their disadvantages. In conclusion, the study raises the question of whether the term bioplastic is interpreted by the general