Biocomposites based on PLA and wood fibers: a study on the modification of matrix and fibers to improve the mechanical properties

Reducing the carbon footprint in the current global context is imperative. Replacing products with high environmental impact has become essential. Therefore, there is an increasing effort to substitute plastics, especially with materials derived from renewable sources that do not take hundreds of years to degrade. In this regard, natural fibers, such as wood fibers, have proven to be valuable allies in enhancing the mechanical properties of bioplastics. This allows for reduced plastic usage in product manufacturing while simultaneously moving away from fossil-based plastics. Our study demonstrated that a combination of thermal treatment and chemical functionalization significantly improves the mechanical properties of bioplastics, making them even more suitable for everyday applications.