This volume presents the results of numerous worldwide studies focusing on the implementation of natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. It discusses the processing and, more extensively, the applicati on of natural materials (cellulose and protein-based) as reinforcements for polymer composites. The structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics, as well as the mechanical behavior of the obtained materials are covered comprehensively. In addition, the book includes case studies and results of commercial relevance. All natural polymers used in the blending or reinforcement of synthetic polymers are discussed in an attempt to cover the isolation, pretreatment, blending, and manufacturing of the respective materials.

This unique volume covers the results of the world-wide efforts to implement natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. The processing opportunities and the applications of the natural materials as reinforcement of polymer composites are discussed, including the structural, morphological and thermal characterization as well as the mechanical behavior of the obtained materials. Also covered is the preparation of biodegradable homopolymers, blends and composites, which involves chemical reactions, regardless of the type of the starting material.

One of the major reasons for composite failure is a breakdown of the bond between the reinforcement fibres and the matrix. When this happens, the composite loses strength and fails. By engineering the interface between the natural fibres and the matrix, the properties of the composite can be manipulated to give maximum performance. Interface engineering of natural fibre composites for maximum performance looks at natural (sustainable) fibre composites and the growing trend towards their use as reinforcements in composites.Part one focuses on processing and surface treatments to engineer the interface in natural fibre composites and looks in detail at modifying cellulose fibre surfaces in the manufacture of natural fibre composites, interface tuning through matrix modification and preparation of cellulose nanocomposites. It also looks at the characterisation of fibre surface treatments by infrared and raman spectroscopy and the effects of processing and surface treatment on the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of natural fibre composites. Testing interfacial properties in natural fibre composites is the topic of part two which discusses the electrochemical characterisation of the interfacial properties of natural fibres, assesses the mechanical and thermochemical properties and moisture uptake behaviour of natural fibres and studies the fatigue and delamination of natural fibre composites before finishing with a look at Raman spectroscopy and x-ray scattering for assessing the interface in natural fibre compositesWith its distinguished editor and international team of contributors Interface engineering of natural fibre composites for maximum performance is an invaluable resource to composite manufacturers and developers, materials scientists and engineers and anyone involved in designing and formulating composites or in industries that use natural fibre composites. - Examines characterisation of fibre surface treatments by infrared and raman spectroscopy and the effects of processing and surface treatment - Reviews testing interfacial properties in natural fibre composites including the electrochemical characterisation of the interfacial properties of natural fibres - Assesses the mechanical and thermochemical properties and moisture uptake behaviour of natural fibres and studies the fatigue and delamination of natural fibre composites

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.

As an area of high topical interest, Biopolymers – New materials for Sustainable Films and Coatings covers the development and utilization of polymers derived from bioresources, with a particular focus on film and coating applications. With growing concern for the environment and the rising price of crude oil, there is increasing demand for non-petroleum-based polymers from renewable resources. Leading research groups worldwide in industry and academe are working on such technology with the objective of applying the latest advances in the field. Written by well-respected experts, this text systematically covers the extraction and production of selected biopolymers as well as their properties and application as films or coatings in a variety of uses. The areas addressed include food packaging, edible coatings, paper coatings and agricultural films. Intended for researchers and students, this book will also be of interest to industry, especially in terms of the practical applications.

This unique multidisciplinary 8-volume set focuses on the emerging issues concerning synthesis, characterization, design, manufacturing and various other aspects of composite materials from renewable materials and provides a shared platform for both researcher and industry. The Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials comprises a set of 8 individual volumes that brings an interdisciplinary perspective to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between the synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications and performance of these advanced materials. The Handbook comprises 169 chapters from world renowned experts covering a multitude of natural polymers/ reinforcement/ fillers and biodegradable materials. Volume 2 is solely focused on the Design and Manufacturing of renewable materials. Some of the important topics include but not limited to: Design and manufacturing of high performance green composites; manufacturing of high performance biomass-based polyesters by rheological approach; components design of fibrous composite materials; design and manufacturing of bio-based sandwich structures; design and manufacture of biodegradable products from renewable resources; manufacturing and characterization of quicklime filled metal alloy composites for single row deep groove ball bearing; manufacturing of composites from chicken feathers and poly (vinyl chloride); production of porous carbons from resorcinol-formaldehyde gels: applications; composites using agricultural wastes; manufacturing of rice wastes-based natural fiber polymer composites from thermosetting vs. thermoplastic matrices; thermoplastic polymeric composites; natural fiber reinforced PLA composites; rigid closed-cell PUR foams containing polyols derived from renewable resources; preparation and application of the composite from alginate; recent developments in biocomposites of bombyx mori silk fibroin; design and manufacturing of natural fiber/ synthetic fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites; natural fiber composite strengthening solution for structural beam component for enhanced flexural strength; high pressure resin transfer molding of epoxy resins from renewable sources; cork based structural composites; the use of wheat straw as an agricultural waste in composites for semi-structural applications and design/ manufacturing of sustainable composites.

This book on biopolymers offers a comprehensive source for biomaterial professionals. It covers all elementary topics related to the properties of biopolymers, the production, and processing of biopolymers, applications of biopolymers, examples of biopolymers, and the future of biopolymers. Edited by experts in the field, the book highlights international professionals’ longstanding experiences and addresses the requirements of practitioners and newcomers in this field in finding a solution to their problems. The book brings together several natural polymers, their extraction/production, and physio-chemical features. The topics covered in this book are biopolymers from renewable sources, marine prokaryotes, soy protein and humus oils, biopolymer recycling, chemical modifications, and specific properties. The book also focuses on the potential and diverse applications of biogenic and bio-derived polymers. The content includes industrial applications of natural polymeric molecules and applications in key areas such as material, biomedical, sensing, packaging, biomedicine, and biotechnology, and tissue engineering applications are discussed in detail. The objective of this book is to fill the gap between the researchers working in the laboratory to cutting-edge technological applications in related industries. This book will be a very valuable reference material for graduates and post-graduate students, academic researchers, professionals, research scholars, and scientists, and for anyone who has a flavor for doing biomaterial research. The books are designed to serve as a bridge between undergraduate textbooks in biochemistry and professional literature. The book provides universal perspectives for an emerging field where classical polymer science blends with molecular biology with highlights on recent advances.

Packaging plays an essential role in protecting and extending the shelf life of a wide range of foods, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods. There have been many key developments in packaging materials and technologies in recent years, and Trends in packaging of food, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) provides a concise review of these developments and international market trends.Beginning with a concise introduction to the present status and trends in innovations in packaging for food, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods, the book goes on to consider modified atmosphere packaging and other active packaging systems, including smart and intelligent packaging, and the role these play in augmenting and securing the consumer brand experience. Developments in plastic and bioplastic materials and recycling systems are then discussed, followed by innovations and trends in metal, paper and paperboard packaging. Further chapters review international environmental and sustainability regulatory and legislative frameworks, before the use of nanotechnology, smart and interactive packaging developments for enhanced communication at the packaging/user interface are explored. Finally, the book concludes by considering potential future trends in materials and technologies across the international packaging market.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Trends in packaging of food, beverages and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) is an important reference tool, providing a practical overview of emerging packaging technologies and market trends for research and design professionals in the food and packaging industry, and academics working in this area. - Introduces the present status, current trends and new innovations in the field whilst considering future trends in materials and technologies - Considers modified atmosphere packaging and other active packaging systems including smart and intelligent packaging - Discusses developments in plastic and bioplastic materials and recycling systems

Dieses Lehrbuch füllt eine Lücke und ist eine prägnante, gründliche Einführung in die Polymerwissenschaften für Studenten der Ingenieurwissenschaften in höheren Semestern sowie für Praktiker. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den chemischen und physikalischen Aspekten sowie auf Aspekten der Materialwissenschaften, die für ingenieurtechnische Anwendungen von hoher Relevanz sind. Nach Erläuterungen zur Polymersynthese und den zugehörigen Eigenschaften beschäftigt sich das Buch überwiegend mit polymeren Werkstoffen wie thermoplastischen Kunststoffen und Polymerverbundwerkstoffen, der Polymerverarbeitung, z. B. Spritzguss- und Extrusionsverfahren, und Methoden zur Charakterisierung von Polymeren in großem Umfang. Das Buch schließt mit einem Überblick über technische Kunststoffe. Der Schwerpunkt liegt durchgängig auf anwendungsrelevanten Themen und der Autor konzentriert sich auf polymere Werkstoffe, die in der Praxis für die Industrie relevant sind.