TPS and natural composites elements, techniques, challenges, and applications

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) are natural composites that have shown in the recent decay a promising outcomes as a natural material friend to the environment, that could replace the synthetic petroleum derived plastics. TPS materials have a varied ranges of mechanical and physical characteristics that differs with the difference of the used components, and with the preparation method. Also, TPS composites have a variable textures and structural features, that is formed according to the incorporated fillers and reinforcements, whether they are cellulosic fibers or resins, renewable or nonrenewable, metallic or organic, synthetic or natural. This review aims to comprise and categories the parameters that influence the TPS chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics, and to study how the fillers (reinforcements) type, size, treatment procedures and preparation methodology affect the composite features, characteristics and applications.