Biotextile and plant-based feedstock material comprising a partially or fully biodegradable composite, and methods of making the composite

A biotextile for a plant-based leather product, the biotextile comprising:

• a composite including:
• a polymer matrix comprising a bio-based polymer;
• and
• a cellulosic material dispersed in the polymer matrix,
• wherein at least one property of the composite is sufficient to meet an industrial standard for leather or vinyl.

A plant-based feedstock material for molding or 3D printing, the plant-based feedstock material comprising:

• a partially or fully biodegradable composite having a predetermined shape, the composite comprising:
• a polymer matrix comprising a bio-based polymer;
• and
• a cellulosic material dispersed in the polymer matrix.

A method of making a biotextile or plant-based feedstock material, the method comprising:

• heating and mixing a formulation comprising bio-based polymer, a plasticizer, and a cellulosic material to form a molten mixture;
• extruding the molten mixture to form an extruded body having a predetermined shape;
• and
• cooling the extruded body to form a partially or fully biodegradable composite having the predetermined shape, the composite including a polymer matrix comprising the bio-based polymer with the cellulosic material dispersed therein.