Reinforcement of Biodegradable Nanocomposites with surface modified natural fibers using bacteria

Composites made with synthetic fillers such as glass or carbon fibers are nowadays extensively used for many applications, for instance in sport, transport, automotive and aerospace. Recentstudies pointed out that nanoscale cellulose is an interesting green reinforcing agent for the design of nanocomposites.Bacterial or microbial cellulose is produced by certain bacteria belonging to the genera Acetobacter, Agrobacterium, Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, or Sarcina, the most efficient producer of bacterial cellulose being Acetobacter xylinum. This green modification is aimed at improving theinterfacial adhesion to biobased polymers and might lead to truly green fiber reinforced hierarchical nanocomposites with enhanced properties and much better durability