Bionanomaterials from Agricultural Wastes

Agricultural biomass is the organic material left as a by-product after agricultural activities, particularly in developing countries. Present-day scenario witnesses a declined supply of raw materials which is a cause for concern. Natural fiber possesses properties that make them a suitable alternative material to be used in local timber industries for the production of value-added products. Agricultural cellulose offers many advantages because of its renewable and biodegradable properties. Cellulose fibers exhibit a unique structural hierarchy derived from their biological origin. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) owing to their morphology and physical properties have been proven a promising material not only in the fields of cosmetics, medicine, biocomposites and health care but are also progressing immensely to many other unlimited applications including high gas barrier packaging material, filter material and electronic devices. Depletion of natural resources, growing population and environmental concerns has increased the attention for the extreme development and use of nanomaterials from biomass. Marvelous and complex structure of bionanoparticles is helpful while understanding the chemical applications, and as a result the bionanomaterials can serve as the filler/reinforcement in polymer composites. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the properties of agricultural wastes along with its use as a bionanomaterial and its potential applications.