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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition
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Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 3585

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Koubaa

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Guest Editor
Laboratoire de Biomatériaux, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
Interests: biomaterials; biocomposites; bioenergy; materials characterization; wood processing and valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mohamed Ragoubi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UniLaSalle, Unité Transformations & Agroressources, Rouen, France
Interests: matériaux biosourcés; ingénierie des polymères; matériaux composites et nanocomposites; analyses et caractérisation avancés des matériaux
Dr. Frédéric Becquart

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre for Materials and Processes, Institut Mines-Télécom, IMT Nord Europe, F-59000, Lille, France
2. Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, ULR 4515 – LGCgE, Institut Mines-Télécom, University Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
Interests: materials mechanics; eco-materials; biomass and waste valorisation; biocomposites; hydrothermal treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ahmed Elloumi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Electromechanical Systems Laboratory, LASEM, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
Interests: materials and engineering; WPC composites; polymers and composites; biocomposites; ecofriendly materials; nanocomposites; recycling; naturals fibres
Prof. Dr. Philippe Michaud

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Interests: bioprocess; biopolymers; biorefinery; biosourced materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global economy is shifting towards a bioeconomy, and there is continuous pressure to substitute petroleum-based materials with biosourced, sustainable, and renewable ones, including biocomposites. Biocomposites are increasingly interesting as a renewable, environmentally friendly alternative to non-renewable materials. They contribute to reaching environmental targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon footprint. They also attenuate the impact of climate change. Thus, they contribute to building a foundation of sustainability and bioeconomy worldwide. The Euromag2025 Conference entitled “Biobased Materials for Circular Economy” addresses these issues. Manuscripts presented at this conference aim to address the challenges and opportunities of biomass valorization for the production of fossil-free biocomposites from the extraction of natural biopolymers at macro and nanoscale levels to the reuse and recycling in circular systems.

This Special Issue includes a collection of selected manuscripts presented at the Euromagh2025 Conference but is not limited to. The potential topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

  • Processing of biocomposites and nano-biocomposites;
  • Mixtures rheology and processing;
  • Advanced characterization of biocomposites;
  • Matrix-fiber adhesion and interactions;
  • Properties, structure, and rupture mechanisms;
  • Properties modeling and optimization;
  • End-use and application;
  • Recycling, reuse, and circularity;
  • Sustainability, environmental impacts, and life cycle analysis;
  • Contribution of biocomposites to circular economy, climate change attenuation, and GHG emission mitigation.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Koubaa
Dr. Mohamed Ragoubi
Dr. Frédéric Becquart
Dr. Ahmed Elloumi
Prof. Dr. Philippe Michaud
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • processing of biocomposites and nano-biocomposites
  • mixtures rheology and processing
  • advanced characterization of biocomposites
  • matrix-fiber adhesion and interactions
  • properties, structure, and rupture mechanisms
  • properties modeling and optimization
  • end-use and application
  • recycling, reuse, and circularity sustainability, environmental impacts, and life cycle analysis
  • contribution of biocomposites to circular economy, climate change attenuation, and GHG emission mitigation

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3500 KiB  
Article
Cellulose Acetate–PHB Biocomposite from Saccharum officinarum for Ni (II) Adsorption: Equilibrium and Kinetics
by Candelaria Tejada-Tovar, Ángel Villabona-Ortíz, Oscar Toro-Madrid, Rodrigo Ortega-Toro and Humberto Bonilla Mancilla
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070376 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
This research work focused on the development of an adsorbent biocomposite material based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cellulose acetate derived from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) fibre, through cellulose acetylation. The resulting material represents both an accessible and effective alternative for the treatment [...] Read more.
This research work focused on the development of an adsorbent biocomposite material based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cellulose acetate derived from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) fibre, through cellulose acetylation. The resulting material represents both an accessible and effective alternative for the treatment and remediation of water contaminated with heavy metals, such as Ni (II). The biocomposite was prepared by blending cellulose acetate (CA) with the biopolymer PHB using the solvent-casting method. The resulting biocomposite exhibited a point of zero charge (pHpzc) of 5.6. The material was characterised by FTIR, TGA-DSC, and SEM analyses. The results revealed that the interaction between Ni (II) ions and the biocomposite is favoured by the presence of functional groups, such as –OH, C=O, and N–H, which act as active adsorption sites on the material’s surface, enabling efficient interaction with the metal ions. Adsorption kinetics studies revealed that the biocomposite achieved an optimal adsorption capacity of 5.042 mg/g at pH 6 and an initial Ni (II) concentration of 35 mg/L, corresponding to a removal efficiency of 86.44%. Finally, an analysis of the kinetic and isotherm models indicated that the experimental data best fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 7908 KiB  
Article
DFT Study of PVA Biocomposite/Oyster Shell (CaCO3) for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater
by Jose Alfonso Prieto Palomo, Juan Esteban Herrera Zabala and Joaquín Alejandro Hernández Fernández
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070340 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
The persistent contamination of aquatic environments by heavy metals, particularly Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+, poses a serious global threat due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative behavior. In response, low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents are being explored, among which [...] Read more.
The persistent contamination of aquatic environments by heavy metals, particularly Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+, poses a serious global threat due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative behavior. In response, low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents are being explored, among which CaCO3-based biocomposites derived from mollusk shells have shown exceptional performance. In this study, a hybrid biocomposite composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and oyster shell-derived CaCO3 was computationally investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to elucidate the electronic and structural basis for its high metal-removal efficiency. Calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), M05-2X/6-311+G(d,p), and M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) levels using GAUSSIAN 16. Among them, B3LYP was identified as the most balanced in terms of accuracy and computational cost. The hybridization with CaCO3 reduced the HOMO-LUMO gap by 20% and doubled the dipole moment (7.65 Debye), increasing the composite’s polarity and reactivity. Upon chelation with metal ions, the gap further dropped to as low as 0.029 eV (Cd2+), while the dipole moment rose to 17.06 Debye (Pb2+), signaling enhanced charge separation and stronger electrostatic interactions. Electrostatic potential maps revealed high nucleophilicity at carbonate oxygens and reinforced electrophilic fields around the hydrated metal centers, correlating with the affinity trend Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Pb2+. Fukui function analysis indicated a redistribution of reactive sites, with carbonate oxygens acting as ambiphilic centers suitable for multidentate coordination. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis confirmed the presence of highly nucleophilic lone pairs and weakened bonding orbitals, enabling flexible adsorption dynamics. Furthermore, NCI/RDG analysis highlighted attractive noncovalent interactions with Cu2+ and Pb2+, while FT-IR simulations demonstrated the formation of hydrogen bonding (O–H···O=C) and Ca2+···O coordination bridges between phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 1519 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Particleboard Production from Durian Husk and Bamboo Waste
by Thi Kim Hong Tang and Nhat Quang Nguyen
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060276 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Agricultural residues offer promising opportunities for the development of biocomposites. Durian husk, a lignocellulosic by-product abundantly available in Southeast Asia, and bamboo waste, an underutilized biomass resource, present considerable potential for sustainable particleboard production. This study focuses on developing single-layer bio-based particleboards using [...] Read more.
Agricultural residues offer promising opportunities for the development of biocomposites. Durian husk, a lignocellulosic by-product abundantly available in Southeast Asia, and bamboo waste, an underutilized biomass resource, present considerable potential for sustainable particleboard production. This study focuses on developing single-layer bio-based particleboards using varying proportions of durian husk and bamboo waste bonded with urea formaldehyde resin. The fabricated boards were evaluated for thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength according to relevant European standards. Results indicated that all particleboards met the Type P1 requirements for general-purpose use under dry conditions, as specified in BS EN 312:2010. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of converting agricultural waste into value-added, eco-friendly materials, supporting waste valorization, promoting circular economy practices, and contributing to the development of bio-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 1992 KiB  
Article
Innovation in Biodegradable Composites: Wheat Flour and Hermetia illucens Larvae Flour Biocomposites Enhanced with Cellulose Nanocrystals
by Diana Carmona-Cantillo, Alexis López-Padilla and Rodrigo Ortega-Toro
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050249 - 17 May 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
The development of biocomposites derived from wheat flour and Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae flour presents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation. The incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is anticipated to enhance the [...] Read more.
The development of biocomposites derived from wheat flour and Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae flour presents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation. The incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is anticipated to enhance the functional properties of these materials, particularly for food packaging applications. The objective of this study was to develop and characterise biodegradable composites formulated from wheat and larvae flours, and to evaluate the effect of CNC addition on their physicochemical, mechanical, and structural properties. The biocomposites were produced using compression moulding and subsequently subjected to comprehensive characterisation. The results indicated that the addition of CNCs markedly improved the optical, barrier, and mechanical properties of the composites. These improvements render the materials suitable for packaging systems requiring moisture retention and reduced permeability to water vapour. From a mechanical perspective, composites incorporating CNCs exhibited increased tensile strength and stiffness, although a reduction in elongation at break was observed when compared to those prepared solely with larvae flour (LF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that higher concentrations of larvae flour yielded composites with fewer surface fractures and reduced porosity. In conclusion, the utilisation of wheat and insect larvae flours, in combination with cellulose nanocrystals, represents an innovative and environmentally responsible approach for the development of biodegradable composites suitable for eco-friendly food packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 8604 KiB  
Article
Design of Composite Systems Based on Hydrophilic Silica and Organic Acids: Gallic, Glycyrrhizic and Its Salts
by Tetiana Krupska, Qiliang Wei, Jinju Zheng, Weiyou Yang, Alina Holovan, Mykola Borysenko and Volodymyr Turov
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050247 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 445
Abstract
The process of formation of composite systems based on nanosilica A-300 and biologically active substances (BAS), namely gallic acid (GA), glycyrrhizic acid (GLA), and its salts, was studied using a set of physicochemical methods. It was shown that when BAS are immobilized on [...] Read more.
The process of formation of composite systems based on nanosilica A-300 and biologically active substances (BAS), namely gallic acid (GA), glycyrrhizic acid (GLA), and its salts, was studied using a set of physicochemical methods. It was shown that when BAS are immobilized on the silica surface by the method of joint grinding in a porcelain mortar, they pass into a nanosized X-ray amorphous state. Water adsorbed on the surface of such composite systems is also in a clustered state, and the radius of adsorbed water clusters is in the range of 0.4–50 nm. The chloroform environment has a complex effect on the size of water clusters. In general, there is a tendency for the radius of water clusters to increase when air is replaced by a chloroform environment. However, this does not always lead to a decrease in the interfacial energy. The possibility of the existence of metastable ice in the temperature range up to 287 K, stabilized by the surface of composite systems, was discovered. The amount of such ice can reach 20% of the total water content in the sample. The possibility of using complex viscosity measurements for hydrated silica powders and silica containing immobilized biologically active substances was shown. These measurements allow recording changes in the phase state of complex mixtures during the formation of compact composite forms under the influence of periodic mechanical loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 2522 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Addition of Banana Stem Lignin (Musa acuminata ssp. balbisiana var. Dominico-Harton) on the Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Composites Based on Methylhydroxyethylcellulose
by Yonier Alejandro Ocampo-Gómez, Fabian Rico-Rodríguez, Rafael González-Cuello, Joaquín Hernández-Fernández and Rodrigo Ortega-Toro
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050244 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
This study analyses the effect of lignin extracted from the Dominico-Harton banana on the physicochemical properties of biodegradable methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC) composites. Lignin was obtained by grinding and sieving, followed by treatment with sulphuric acid and subsequent separation via centrifugation. Films were developed using [...] Read more.
This study analyses the effect of lignin extracted from the Dominico-Harton banana on the physicochemical properties of biodegradable methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC) composites. Lignin was obtained by grinding and sieving, followed by treatment with sulphuric acid and subsequent separation via centrifugation. Films were developed using the casting method, incorporating lignin and glycerol in a matrix of MHEC dissolved in distilled water. They were characterised according to their physical, barrier, mechanical, optical, and antioxidant properties, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). The results showed that lignin provides antioxidant capacity and improves mechanical and barrier properties, while MHEC contributes flexibility and biodegradability. These films have a dense and resistant structure, with potential applications in food packaging, agriculture, and medicine. The research highlights the use of agricultural waste to develop sustainable materials as an alternative to conventional plastics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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Review

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21 pages, 1735 KiB  
Review
Immunomodulatory Potential and Biocompatibility of Chitosan–Hydroxyapatite Biocomposites for Tissue Engineering
by Davide Frumento and Ștefan Țălu
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060305 - 17 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 573
Abstract
Chitosan–hydroxyapatite (CS-HAp) biocomposites, combining the biocompatibility and bioactivity of chitosan with the osteoconductive properties of hydroxyapatite, are emerging as promising candidates for tissue engineering applications. These materials consistently exhibit excellent cytocompatibility, with cell viability rates greater than 95% in MTT and Neutral Red [...] Read more.
Chitosan–hydroxyapatite (CS-HAp) biocomposites, combining the biocompatibility and bioactivity of chitosan with the osteoconductive properties of hydroxyapatite, are emerging as promising candidates for tissue engineering applications. These materials consistently exhibit excellent cytocompatibility, with cell viability rates greater than 95% in MTT and Neutral Red Uptake assays, and minimal cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by low levels of cell death in DAPI and Trypan blue staining. More importantly, CS-HAp biocomposites modulate the immune environment by enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β, while avoiding significant increases in TNF-α, IL-6, or NF-κB expression in fibroblast cells exposed to HAC and HACF scaffolds. In an in vivo dermatitis model, these biocomposites reduced mast cell counts and plasma histamine levels and significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), JAK1/3, VEGF, and AnxA1 levels. Structurally, HACF scaffolds demonstrated larger average pore sizes (95 µm) compared to HAC scaffolds (74 µm), with porosities of 77.37 ± 2.4% and 65.26 ± 3.1%, respectively. These materials exhibited high swelling ability, equilibrium water content, and controlled degradation over a week in culture media. In addition to their immunomodulatory effects, CS-HAp composites promote essential cellular activities, such as attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby supporting tissue integration and healing. Despite these promising findings, significant gaps remain in understanding the underlying mechanisms of immune modulation by CS-HAp biocomposites, and formulation-dependent variability raises concerns about reproducibility and clinical application. Therefore, a comprehensive review is essential to consolidate existing data, identify key knowledge gaps, and standardize the design of CS/HAp composites for broader clinical use, particularly in immunomodulatory and regenerative medicine contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biocomposites, 3rd Edition)
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