Biomass-based composites from different sources: Properties, characterization, and transforming biomass with ionic liquids

The use of biomass as an energy source has considerably even increased in the current scenario. However, biomass availability is crucial for the implementation of any strategy that focuses on bioresources for fuel, chemicals, and biomaterials. Mostly, lignocellulosic biomass such as wasted bioresources has been employed extensively toward its valorization. Besides consideration of wasted bioresources, it would be essential to intensify the overall agricultural productivity and, at the same time, identify the potential of relatively unexplored bioresources. Due to the diverse natures of biomass materials, their properties widely range and exhibit different behaviors. This chapter shows the properties of biomass in its wide diversity, that is, both physical, chemical, mechanical properties and its characterization. However, the scope of this area is broad; attempts have been made to delineate the property and characterization of biomass and their composites from different bioresources. A brief overview has been shown focusing on current challenges in the development of biomass-based composite from the problem of judicious selection of sustainable biomass to availability and biodegradability and issues. Lastly, an attempt has been made to show an overview of using a green solvent such as ionic liquid in the processing of biomass to different product portfolios.