Natural Fiber Reinforced Starch Based Biocomposites

— Biocomposites have certain advantages as they contain at least one bio component. Generally the component has been natural fiber which works as reinforcement while the resin has remained synthetic. But these days, substitute of the synthetic resin has been researched and starch is preferred by many researchers due to its availability in abundance and low cost. Natural fiber reinforced starch composites have advantages of being fully biodegradable and very light weight. Starch is not thermoplastic in nature but by using plasticizer it can be converted into a thermoplastic resin. Actually starch composites are made of thermoplastic starch resin. By varying the amount of plasticizer, reinforcing fiber, etc., properties of the final product can be varied. This paper will provide information regarding production process and properties controlling factors of natural fiber reinforced starch composite on the basis of previously done researches.