Advances in sustainable polymeric materials from lignocellulosic biomass

Lignocellulosic material (LCMs) is a renewable, recyclable and most abundant material with ease of access around the globe, which makes it versatile for replacing fossil-based plastics. Since the last decade, there has been an extensive research in the pre-treatment approaches and biorefinery technologies of LCMs. The biomass molecules (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) have also been widely studied as additives to produce functional materials. However, it is still challenging to use them as main building blocks in ‘real’ sustainable bioplastics or biocomposites. In the present review, we focus on the recent development of sustainable polymeric materials from LCMs, including nanocellulose, nanowood, and lignin-based polymers. More importantly, the review provides insight knowledge of advanced technologies to process LCMs as key components towards various functional materials, such as coating, films, foams, gels, and biocomposites for various value-added applications as next generation of polymeric materials. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are addressed. • Lignocellulose biomolecules as main component in sustainable materials. • Most recent development of nanocellulose, nanowood, hemicellulose, and lignin-based materials. • Advances of LCMs in the application of coating, films, gels, and biocomposites. • Present challenges in pre-treatment processes, green chemistry, and material performance.