Biopolymers and biocomposites-mediated sustainable high-performance materials for automobile applications

Abstract In today’s scenario, sustainability is an important criterion for the industries to follow and they are obliged to follow the protocol set by various international organizations across the world. Though the automobile industries are primarily dominated by synthetic, petrochemical-based nonbiodegradable polymers, recently they are gearing up for the competition of manufacturing either fully or partially sustainable parts for engineering applications. Tailor-made, specially fabricated engineered biopolymers such as poly(lactic acid) resin, castor oil–based polyamides such as nylons, vegetable oil–based polyurethane, and soy oil–based foams are demonstrated for its successful implementation in automotive applications. Automakers have already recognized the potential of biocomposites that can compete with traditional polymer composites. Hence, steady growth in the mentioned area has evidenced over more than decades in the automobile sector. This book chapter discusses a brief overview on the usage of biopolymers and biocomposites-mediated automobile body parts as part of sustainable approach.