Material Limitations and Processing Challenges of Bio‐Based Thermoplastics: A Review

ABSTRACT The increasing production and consumption of petro‐based plastics raise significant environmental concerns due to their persistence and accumulation in ecosystems. Biopolymers, derived from renewable sources such as plants and microorganisms, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials are moldable and recyclable through thermal processes, providing versatility for various industrial applications, such as commercial thermoplastic materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biopolymeric thermoplastics (b‐bTPs), discussing their compositions, challenges, and recent advances. Key topics include the formulation of b‐bTPs using additives and blends to improve their properties, the application of advanced techniques such as microcellular injection molding, the recyclability of b‐bTPs foam parts, and future trends and prospects. This analysis highlights the potential of b‐bTPs to replace conventional plastics in numerous applications, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Published
2026-02-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/app.70436
Primary Topic
Polymer Foaming and Composites
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Material Limitations and Processing Challenges of Bio‐Based Thermoplastics: A Review

Diana Dias, Sílvia Cruz, Catarina Faria, Renato Reis et al.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Polymer Foaming and Composites
article

Material Limitations and Processing Challenges of Bio‐Based Thermoplastics: A Review

Diana Dias, Sílvia Cruz, Catarina Faria, Renato Reis, Daniel Reis
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT The increasing production and consumption of petro‐based plastics raise significant environmental concerns due to their persistence and accumulation in ecosystems. Biopolymers, derived from renewable sources such as plants and microorganisms, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials are moldable and recyclable through thermal processes, providing versatility for various industrial applications, such as commercial thermoplastic materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biopolymeric thermoplastics (b‐bTPs), discussing their compositions, challenges, and recent advances. Key topics include the formulation of b‐bTPs using additives and blends to improve their properties, the application of advanced techniques such as microcellular injection molding, the recyclability of b‐bTPs foam parts, and future trends and prospects. This analysis highlights the potential of b‐bTPs to replace conventional plastics in numerous applications, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

Journal of Applied Polymer ScienceVol. 143(14)
University of Minho (PT)
European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Polymer Foaming and Composites
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.