A Critical Review on PLA-Algae Composite: Chemistry, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties
The traditional polyester and synthetic polymer materials are imposing a boundless threat to our environment; by contrast, bio-based and biodegradable plastic material is offering a great solution to overcome this detrimental effect of conventional plastics. However, to protect our ecosystem by utilizing marine waste like algae as a polymer material is another approach and getting attention to the scientific community. This study investigates the comprehensive understanding of using biodegradable nonwoven composite made of polylactic acid (PLA) and marine waste algae. This review also finds the potential compatibility of using PLA and algae as a nonwoven composite to substitute the non-degradable synthetic polymers. Moreover, this current study explores the extent to which the adhesion between filler(algae) and matrix (PLA) in bioplastic composite can be used for the end-uses purposes, and inspects the underlying factors related to thermal and mechanical properties of PLA-algae nonwoven composite. Future research needs to quantify the adhesion (between filler and matrix) as well as advance characterizations of this potential biodegradable nonwoven composite.