Next-Generation Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Performance through Green Reinforcements

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Anupama Mishra,

  • Prem Shankar Gupta,

  • Sindhusaranya Balraj,

  • Surita Basu,

  • S. Mohamed Rabeek,

  • Deepak Kohli,

  1. Professor, Department of Textile and Apparel Designing, College of Community Science CAU(I), Tura, Meghalaya, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, SRM University, Delhi, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Parul institute of Technology, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Next-generation biodegradable polymer composites, combining compostable matrices such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and starch-based polymers with green reinforcements (e.g., nanocellulose, lignin, agricultural residues and other bio-fillers), offer a pragmatic route to reconcile high performance with end-of-life sustainability. This paper examines recent advances in the design, processing and interfacial engineering of such composites to enhance mechanical stiffness, strength, toughness and thermal stability while preserving—or intentionally controlling—biodegradation pathways. Emphasis is placed on (i) structure–property links arising from filler morphology, aspect ratio and dispersion; (ii) surface-modification and compatibilization strategies that improve load transfer without compromising compostability; (iii) processing windows and rheological constraints for melt compounding and additive manufacturing; and (iv) multi-scale characterization methods that quantify crystallinity, interphase formation and failure modes. The review synthesizes experimental results and modelling approaches that identify optimum reinforcement loadings and treatments that simultaneously increase tensile modulus, heat-deflection temperature and impact resistance. Finally, the paper discusses emerging directions — including functionalized nanocellulose, lignin-derived particulates, hybrid natural/synthetic fiber architectures, and data-driven optimization via machine learning — and outlines the principal challenges (moisture sensitivity, filler agglomeration, standardization of biodegradation testing) that must be resolved to scale these materials for industrial use.

Keywords: biodegradable composites nanocellulose lignin compatibilization thermal performance green reinforcement.

How to cite this article:
Anupama Mishra, Prem Shankar Gupta, Sindhusaranya Balraj, Surita Basu, S. Mohamed Rabeek, Deepak Kohli. Next-Generation Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Performance through Green Reinforcements. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Anupama Mishra, Prem Shankar Gupta, Sindhusaranya Balraj, Surita Basu, S. Mohamed Rabeek, Deepak Kohli. Next-Generation Biodegradable Polymer Composites: Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Performance through Green Reinforcements. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239000


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
01
Received 26/09/2025
Accepted 29/10/2025
Published 21/03/2026
Publication Time 176 Days
50

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