Bio-Based Polymers and Composites is the first book systematically describing the green engineering, chemistry and manufacture of biobased polymers and composites derived from plants. This book gives a thorough introduction to bio-based material resources, availability, sustainability, biobased polymer formation, extraction and refining technologies, and the need for integrated research and multi-disciplinary working teams. It provides an in-depth description of adhesives, resins, plastics, and composites derived from plant oils, proteins, starches, and natural fibers in terms of structures, properties, manufacturing, and product performance. This is an excellent book for scientists, engineers, graduate students and industrial researchers in the field of bio-based materials.* First book describing the utilization of crops to make high performance plastics, adhesives, and composites* Interdisciplinary approach to the subject, integrating genetic engineering, plant science, food science, chemistry, physics, nano-technology, and composite manufacturing.* Explains how to make green materials at low cost from soyoil, proteins, starch, natural fibers, recycled newspapers, chicken feathers and waste agricultural by-products.

Explore the world of biocomposites with this one-stop resource edited by four international leaders in the field Biobased Composites: Processing, Characterization, Properties, and Applications delivers a comprehensive treatment of all known characterization methods, properties, and industry applications of biobased composites materials. This unique, one-stop resource covers all major developments in the field from the last decade of research into this environmentally beneficial area. The internationally recognized editors have selected resources that represent advances in the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and water sorption properties of biobased composites, and cover new areas of research in physico-chemical analysis, flame retardancy, failure mechanisms, lifecycle assessment, and modeling of biobased composites. The low weight, low cost, excellent thermal recyclability, and biodegradability of biobased composites make them ideal candidates to replace engineered plastic products derived from fossil fuel. This book provides its readers with the knowledge they'll require to understand a new class of materials increasingly being used in the automotive and packaging industries, aerospace, the military, and construction. It also includes: An extended discussion of the environmental impact of biobased composites using a life cycle methodology A review of forecasts of natural fiber reinforced polymeric composites and its degradability concerns An analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of a biobased composite with sisal powder A comprehensive treatment of the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and dielectric properties of biobased composites A review of processing methods for the manufacture of biobased composites Perfect for materials scientists in private industry, government laboratories, or engaged in academic research, Biobased Composites will also earn a place in the libraries of industrial and manufacturing engineers who seek a better understanding of the beneficial industrial applications of biocomposites in industries ranging from automobiles to packaging.

Since synthetic plastics derived from fossil resources are mostly non-biodegradable, many academic and industrial researchers have shifted their attention toward bio-based materials, which are more eco-friendly.Bio-Based Composites for High-Performance Materials: From Strategy to Industrial Application provides an overview of the state-of-art in bi

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Polymer Composites focuses on key areas of fundamental research and applications of biocomposites. Several key elements that affect the usage of these composites in real-life applications are discussed. There will be a comprehensive review on the different kinds of biocomposites at the beginning of the book, then the different types of natural fibers, bio-polymers, and green nanoparticle biocomposites are discussed as well as their potential for future development and use in engineering biomedical and domestic products. Recently mankind has realized that unless the environment is protected, he himself will be threatened by the over consumption of natural resources as well as a substantial reduction in the amount of fresh air produced in the world. Conservation of forests and the optimal utilization of agricultural and other renewable resources like solar, wind, and tidal energy, have become important topics worldwide. With such concern, the use of renewable resources—such as plant and animal-based, fiber-reinforced polymeric composites—are now becoming an important design criterion for designing and manufacturing components for a broad range of different industrial products. Research on biodegradable polymeric composites can contribute, to some extent, to a much greener and safer environment. For example, in the biomedical and bioengineering fields, the use of natural fiber mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers can produce joint and bone fixtures to alleviate pain in patients. - Includes comprehensive information about the sources, properties, and biodegradability of natural fibers - Discusses failure mechanisms and modeling of natural fibers composites - Analyzes the effectiveness of using natural materials for enhancing mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties

Explore the world of biocomposites with this one-stop resource edited by four international leaders in the field Bio-based Composites: Characterization, Properties, and Applications delivers a comprehensive treatment of all known characterization methods, properties, and industry applications of bio-based composites materials. This unique, one-stop resource covers all major developments in the field from the last decade of research into this environmentally beneficial area. The internationally recognized editors have selected resources that represent advances in the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and water sorption properties of bio-based composites, and cover new areas of research in physico-chemical analysis, flame retardancy, failure mechanisms, lifecycle assessment, and modeling of bio-based composites. The low weight, low cost, excellent thermal recyclability, and biodegradability of bio-based composites make them ideal candidates to replace engineered plastic products derived from fossil fuel. This book provides its readers with the knowledge they’ll require to understand a new class of materials increasingly being used in the automotive and packaging industries, aerospace, the military, and construction. It also includes: An extended discussion of the environmental impact of bio-based composites using a lice cycle methodology A review of forecasts of natural fiber reinforced polymeric composites and its degradability concerns An analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of a bio-based composite with sisal powder A comprehensive treatment of the mechanical, thermal, tribological, and dielectric properties of bio-based composites A review of processing methods for the manufacture of bio-based composites Perfect for materials scientists in private industry, government laboratories, or engaged in academic research, Bio-Based Composites will also earn a place in the libraries of industrial and manufacturing engineers who seek a better understanding of the beneficial industrial applications of biocomposites in industries ranging from automobiles to packaging.

Biodegradable Polymers, Blends and Composites provides a comprehensive review on recent developments in this very important research field. The book's chapters cover the various types of biodegradable polymers currently available and their composites, with discussions on preparation, properties and applications. Sections cover natural rubber-based polymer blends, soy-protein, cellulose, chitin, starch-based, PLA, PHBV, PCL, PVA, PBAT-based blends, Poly (ethylene succinate), PHB and Poly (propylene carbonates). The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, technologists and engineers working on recent developments in the area of biodegradable polymers, their blends and composites. - Discusses the various types of biodegradable polymers, blends and composites - Covers natural rubber, cellulose, chitin, starch, PLA, PCL and PBAT - Features modern processing technologies, properties, applications and biodegradability

Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites from Renewable Resources provides a comprehensive, current overview of biopolymeric blends and composites and their applications in various industries. The book is organized according to the type of blend or composite. For each topic, the relationship between the structure of the blends/composites and their respective properties is explored, with particular focus on interface, compatibility, mechanical, and thermal properties. Real-life applications and potential markets are discussed. This is a premier reference for graduate students and researchers in polymer science, chemical and bio engineering, and materials science.

Biocomposites: Design and Mechanical Performance describes recent research on cost-effective ways to improve the mechanical toughness and durability of biocomposites, while also reducing their weight. Beginning with an introduction to commercially competitive natural fiber-based composites, chapters then move on to explore the mechanical properties of a wide range of biocomposite materials, including polylactic, polyethylene, polycarbonate, oil palm, natural fiber epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, starch, flax, poly (propylene carbonate)-based biocomposites, and biocomposites from biodegradable polymer blends, natural fibers, and green plastics, giving the reader a deep understanding of the potential of these materials. - Describes recent research to improve the mechanical properties and performance of a wide range of biocomposite materials - Explores the mechanical properties of a wide range of biocomposite materials, including polylactic, polyethylene, polycarbonate, oil palm, natural fiber epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl acetate, and polyurethane - Evaluates the potential of biocomposites as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in industries such as packaging, electronic, automotive, aerospace and construction - Includes contributions from leading experts in this field

State-of-the-art overview on bioepoxy polymers as well as their blends and composites -- covering all aspects from fundamentals to applications! Bioepoxy polymers is an emerging area and have attracted more and more attention due to their biodegradability and good thermo-mechanical performance. In recent years, research progress has been made in synthesis, processing, characterization, and applications of bioepoxy blends and composites. Bioepoxy polymers are very promising candidates to replace the traditional thermosetting nonbiodegradable polymers. Bio-Based Epoxy Polymers, Blends and Composites summaries recent research progress on bioepoxy polymers as well as their blends and composites. It covers aspects from synthesis, processing, various characterization techniques to broad spectrum of applications. It provides a correlation of physical properties with macro, micro and nanostructures of the materials. Moreover, research trends, future directions, and opportunities are also discussed. Attracts attention: Bioepoxy polymers are environmentally friendly and considered as a promising candidate to replace the traditional thermosetting nonbiodegradable polymers Highly application-oriented: Bioepoxy polymers can be used in a broad range of applications such as polymer foams, construction, aerospace, automobiles, self-healing systems One-stop reference: Covers all aspects of bioepoxy polymer, their blends and composites, such as synthesis, properties, processing, characterization and applications Broad audience: Attracts attention from both academia and industry

Bio-based Plant Oil Polymers and Composites provides engineers and materials scientists a useful framework to help take advantage of the latest research conducted in this rapidly advancing field—enabling them to develop and commercialize their own products quickly and more successfully. Plant oil is one of the most attractive options as a substitute for non-renewable resources in polymers and composites, and is producing materials with very promising thermomechanical properties relative to traditional, petroleum-based polymers. In addition to critical processing and characterization information, the book assists engineers in deciding whether or not they should use a plant oil-based polymer over a petroleum-based polymer, discussing sustainability concerns, biodegradability, associated costs, and recommended applications. The book details the advancements in the development of polymeric materials and composites from plant oils, and provides a critical review of current applications in various fields, including packaging, biomedical, and automotive applications. Also includes the latest progress in developing multifunctional biobased polymers—by increasing thermal conductivity or adding antibacterial properties, for example. - Essential coverage of processing, characterization, and the latest research into polymeric materials and composites derived from plant oils (thermoplastics, thermosets, nanocomposites, and fiber reinforced composites) - Critically reviews the potential applications of plant oil-based polymers, including sensors, structural parts, medical devices, and automotive interiors - Includes the latest developments in multifunctional bio-based polymer composites