The interest in designing new environmentally friendly materials has led to the development of biodegradable foams as a potential substitute to most currently used fossil fuel-derived polymer foams. Despite the possibility of developing biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymer foams, the challenge of foaming biopolymers still persists as they have very low melt strength and viscosity as well as low crystallisation kinetics. Studies have shown that the incorporation of cellulose nanostructure (CN) particles into biopolymers can enhance the foamability of these materials. In addition, the final properties and performance of the foamed products can be improved with the addition of these nanoparticles. They not only aid in foamability but also act as nucleating agents by controlling the morphological properties of the foamed material. Here, we provide a critical and accessible overview of the influence of CN particles on the properties of biodegradable foams; in particular, their rheological, thermal, mechanical, and flammability and thermal insulating properties and biodegradability.
Keywords: biodegradable polymers; cellulose nanoparticles; foaming; nanocomposites; physical properties.