Biopolymer reinforced nanocomposites: A comprehensive review

Innovation in the field of polymer nanocomposites leads to diverse applications in drug delivery, biosensors, bone regeneration, solar cells, super capacitors etc. A step towards sustainable development, biomimetic approach has been taken into consideration in which vital role is played by the integration of nanofiller in biopolymers. In the present scenario the utilization of biopolymers facilitated by the functionalization of nanofiller by different types of methods which can eradicate agglomeration and enhance thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. This paper reviews the new dimensions in enhancement of properties and their potential applications made by employing a range of metal and carbon based nanofiller into biodegradable polymers in detail. The key factors to incorporate nanofiller are to increase the efficiency of biopolymers due to their high aspect ratio, biocompatibility, low density and high mechanical strength. The observations have been summarized to convey the mechanism and structural changes involved into the biopolymer to the researchers.