This Handbook is the first to explore the extensive applications made with bioplastics & biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics and biocomposites are becoming increasingly prominent because synthetic plastics and glass fiber composites are neither sustainable nor environmentally friendly. The Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications brings together scientists from academia and industry to report on current research and applications in the bioplastics and biocomposites arena. This new science is interdisciplinary and integrates pure and applied sciences such as chemistry, engineering and materials science. The Handbook focuses on five main categories of applications: Packaging; Civil Engineering; Biomedical; Automotive; General Engineering. The majority of the chapters review the properties, processing, characterization, synthesis and applications of the bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites including: Polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), guar gum based plastics, cellulose polyesters, starch based bioplastics, vegetable oil derived bioplastics, biopolyethylene, chitosan, etc. Thermoplastic and thermosetting bioplastics and biocomposites with a focus on the automobile industry. The ways how to improve the properties of bioplastics, polymer blends, and biocomposites by combining them with both synthetic and natural fillers and reinforcements such as nanoclays, nanotubes (CNTs), and natural fibers (both wood and plant fibers). Studies that expand the boundaries of bioplastics that will allow for the new materials to be applied to most generic engineering applications. The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications The 2nd edition of this successful Handbook explores the extensive and growing applications made with bioplastics and biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics are materials that are being researched as a possible replacement for petroleum-based traditional plastics to make them more environmentally friendly. They are made from renewable resources and may be naturally recycled through biological processes, conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. The 30 chapters in the Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications discuss a wide range of technologies and classifications concerned with bioplastics and biocomposites with their applications in various paradigms including the engineering segment. Chapters cover the biobased materials; recycling of bioplastics; biocomposites modeling; various biomedical and engineering-based applications including optical devices, smart materials, cosmetics, drug delivery, clinical, electrochemical, industrial, flame retardant, sports, packaging, disposables, and biomass. The different approaches to sustainability are also treated. Audience The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists, and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

In the past, food waste has been used to produce biogas and biofuels, fertilizers, and animal feed. Using it as a feedstock for innovative biorefineries is not only an ethical issue but also a smart application of the circular economy. This book explores the zero-waste concept in the thriving biobased sector, proposing technologies and procedures to meet the sustainable development goals. The volume categorizes food waste sources and proposes an impressive number of high value-added compounds (e.g., platform chemicals, enzymes, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, organic acids, phosphate, bioadsorbents, pectin, solvents, and pigments) that can be obtained in a sequential biocascade, via chemical, biochemical, thermal, and physical technologies. The synthesis of bioplastics from food waste, their copolymerization and blending, as well as the production of biocomposites and bionanocomposite with biofillers from food scraps, are presented: eluding the cost of waste disposal, reducing biobased materials price, and avoiding using edible resources as a starting material for biobased items are the main beneficial peculiarities of the process. The Authors illustrate challenging characteristics of new biobased materials, such as their mechanical and physico-chemical features, their biodegradability, compostability, recyclability, chemical compatibility, and barrier properties. The volume also delves into socioeconomic considerations and environmental concerns related to the upcycling of food waste, as well as the safety and life cycle assessment of biobased products. Finally, the authors address how advances in digital technology can make food waste upcycling a negative-cost process and discuss best practices to practically implement the biorefinery concept. Research gaps and needs are suggested, and recommendations for food waste handling and management during this COVID-19 pandemic are provided.

Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications The 2nd edition of this successful Handbook explores the extensive and growing applications made with bioplastics and biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics are materials that are being researched as a possible replacement for petroleum-based traditional plastics to make them more environmentally friendly. They are made from renewable resources and may be naturally recycled through biological processes, conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. The 30 chapters in the Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications discuss a wide range of technologies and classifications concerned with bioplastics and biocomposites with their applications in various paradigms including the engineering segment. Chapters cover the biobased materials; recycling of bioplastics; biocomposites modeling; various biomedical and engineering-based applications including optical devices, smart materials, cosmetics, drug delivery, clinical, electrochemical, industrial, flame retardant, sports, packaging, disposables, and biomass. The different approaches to sustainability are also treated. Audience The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists, and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

Recycled plastic biocomposites have attracted widespread attention from both researchers and manufacturers due to the significant improvements in their physico-mechanical, thermal, rheological, and barrier properties when compared to conventional materials, as well as their potential regarding commercialization and zero waste. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites presents the latest information on recycled polymers, textiles, pulp and paper, wood plastic, rubber waste plastic, and micro and nano effects of recycled plastic waste resources that have great potential as reinforcement materials in composites because they are non-toxic, inexpensive, biodegradable, cost-effective, and available in large amounts. Recycled plastic biocomposites are now starting to be deployed in a broad range of materials applications due to their advantages over petroleum-based materials. Currently, there are no limits to the possibility of their applications. They also have exceptional sustainable and biodegradable properties when compared to conventional materials such as polymers and composites. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites reviews the latest research advances on recycled plastic-based biocomposites, including thermoplastic, thermoset, rubber, and foams. In addition, the book covers critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that discusses its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material. The huge potential applications of recycled plastic in industry are also explored in detail with respect to low cost, recyclable and biodegradable properties, and the way they can be applied to the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. The life cycles of both single and hybrid recycled plastic-based polymer composites and biocomposites are also discussed in detail. From the viewpoint of recycled plastic-based polymer composites, the book covers not only the well-known role of recycled polymers and composites, but also advanced materials produced from micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that achieve better physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. This book will be an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and those working in polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing, and biocomposites. - Places an emphasis on micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that significantly improve properties. - Discusses the most suitable fabrication methods, properties, and applications. - Features critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that reviews its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material.

This book provides the latest information on bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. The initial chapters introduce readers to the various sources and substrates for the synthesis of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, and explain their general structure, physio-chemical properties and classification. In turn, the book discusses innovative methods for the production of bioplastics at the industrial level and for the microbial production of bioplastics. It highlights the processes that are involved in the conversion of agro-industrial waste into bioplastics, while also summarizing the mechanisms of biodegradation in bioplastics. The book addresses a range of biotechnological applications of bioplastics such as in agriculture, food packaging and pharmaceutical industry, as well as biomedical applications.

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

Biopolymers and Biodegradable Plastics are a hot issue across the Plastics industry, and for many of the industry sectors that use plastic, from packaging to medical devices and from the construction indusry to the automotive sector. This book brings together a number of key biopolymer and biodegradable plastics topics in one place for a broad audience of engineers and scientists, especially those designing with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics, or evaluating the options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers. Topics covered include preparation, fabrication, applications and recycling (including biodegradability and compostability). Applications in key areas such as films, coatings controlled release and tissue engineering are discussed. Dr Ebnesajjad provides readers with an in-depth reference for the plastics industry – material suppliers and processors, bio-polymer producers, bio-polymer processors and fabricators – and for industry sectors utilizing biopolymers – automotive, packaging, construction, wind turbine manufacturers, film manufacturers, adhesive and coating industries, medical device manufacturers, biomedical engineers, and the recycling industry. Essential information and practical guidance for engineers and scientists working with bioplastics, or evaluating a migration to bioplastics. Includes key published material on biopolymers, updated specifically for this Handbook, and new material including coverage of PLA and Tissue Engineering Scaffolds. Coverage of materials and applications together in one handbook enables engineers and scientists to make informed design decisions.

Biopolymers and Biocomposites from Agro-waste for Packaging Applications looks at the utilization of biocomposites and biopolymers for packaging applications. The book focuses on the development of affordable, innovative, sustainable packaging products made from biopolymers and biocomposites derived from agricultural waste/biomass and how they that result in improved shelf-life performance. In addition, it explores how these affordable packaging products can reduce food loss across the supply chain, the future direction of setting-up platforms for broader uses, and how these products can also contribute to minimizing waste-to-landfill problems. - Focuses on the application and use of non-exploited cheap agricultural waste for food packaging applications - Contains information on the modeling and processing of biopolymers and biocomposites to predict thermal and mechanical behavior - Features a discussion of coatings on packaging products to enhance shelf life