The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Biodegradable bioplastics are increasingly considered substitutes for petroleum-derived plastics, as they can reduce fossil energy demand and overall carbon emissions. However, broader implementation remains constrained by their relatively high cost and only moderate mechanical properties. Natural plant fibers can mitigate these drawbacks as reinforcing fillers; in dual-scale formulations, hierarchical architectures suppress agglomeration while enhancing load transfer and mechanical robustness. Building on this rationale, we exploit fiber–matrix interfacial interactions and integrate compression molding with particulate leaching to tune cellular morphology, producing high-performance, recyclable biocomposite foams with reduced environmental burden.