117 Visakh P. M and María José Martínez Morlanes (eds.) Polyethylene-Based Blends, Composites and Nanocomposites, (117–162) © 2015 Scrivener Publishing LLC 5 Polyethylene Composites with Lignocellulosic Material Emanuel M. Fernandes 1,2, *, João F. Mano 1,2 , Rui L. Reis 1,2 1 3B’s Research Group – Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal 2 ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal Abstract Te aim of this chapter is to describe in detail the advances in polyethylene rein- forced with lignocellulosic material. Indeed, the successful employment of natu- ral based materials to reinforce/improve the properties of polyolefns has been growing in a wide range of applications. Firstly, basic concepts and terminology adopted in the lignocellulosic composite materials are reviewed. Te objective is to bring the reader’s attention to important issues that must to be taken into account when working in this subject as well as by providing the most appropriate refer- ences for those with interest to delve into the topic. In the context of polyethylene- lignocellulosic composites, ongoing research is then summarised mainly focussing on (i) the main aspects related to the selection of the commonly used lignocellu- losic materials and the potential of its main chemical constituents, (ii) the princi- pal methods used for the improvement of interfacial adhesion and (iii) the main adopted processing routes and the composite properties. Finally, applications, new challenges and opportunities of these polyethylene-lignocellulosic composites are also discussed. Keywords: *Corresponding author: Emanuel M. Fernandes (efernandes@dep.uminho.pt)