The Consequences of Water and Moisture Intake on the Functionality of Biopolymers and Composites

This review examines the environmental implications of nonbiodegradable polymers, which have been a recognized concern for decades, and highlights the growing adoption of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers as sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers have gained significant attention due to their eco‐friendly properties and potential to replace nonbiodegradable plastics in various applications. The most effective approach to mitigating plastic waste involves substituting cost‐intensive, nonbiodegradable materials with biocompatible options that support environmental sustainability. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on the effects of water and moisture absorption on the performance of biopolymers and their composites. Key findings on water and moisture absorption characteristics are summarized and critically analyzed. Furthermore, the review explores essential properties of biopolymers, processing methods for biopolymer composites, the mechanisms of water and moisture absorption, and related material characteristics. Finally, the article identifies potential directions for future research in advancing biopolymer technologies for sustainable applications.