Value-Added Use of Invasive Plant-Derived Fibers as PHBV Fillers for Biocomposite Development.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising biobased, biodegradable thermoplastic with limited industrial applications due to its brittleness and high cost. To improve these properties, lignocellulosic fibers from two invasive plants ( and ) were used as PHBV reinforcing agents. Alkali treatment of the fibers improved the PHBV-fiber interfacial bond by up to 300%.