Polymeric composites with rice hulls have superior properties compared with other polymer composites and are suitable for a wider range of applications. This book explains what it is that makes polymeric composites with rice hulls ideal substitutes for natural wood and how they may help ease global environmental concerns. It is an ideal source of information for researchers, resin-pellet manufacturers, processors and end users.

There are many types of materials being used for composites, but polymers have played a major part as composite materials due to their versatility and seemingly endless possibilities. Constant research and development has enabled polymers to establish themselves as an essential part of daily life by replacing traditional materials over the years. Polymer composites with biomasses have been the trend for some time now, with wood plastic composites (WPC) probably the most common. However, a new and exciting field of polymer composites are opening up: polymeric composites with rice hulls. These c.

Biopolymers are attracting immense attention of late because of their diverse applications that can address growing environmental concerns and energy demands. The development of various biomaterials creates significant advancements in the medical field as well, and many biopolymers are used for the fabrication of biomaterials. Together, biopolymers and biomaterials create great potential for new materials, applications, and uses. This new volume, Biopolymers and Biomaterials, covers the science and application of biopolymers and biomaterials. It presents an array of different studies on biopolymers and biomaterials, along with their results, interpretation, and the conclusions arrived at through investigations. It includes biopolymer synthesis, their characterizations, and their potential applications. The book begins with an explanation of the different biopolymers used in the textile industry, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.

This book presents both established and emerging technologies which show the immense possibilities of using non-traditional fillers and stiffening agents in the plastics industry. After an introduction to basic polymer chemistry, a range of non-petroleum-based fillers and stiffening agents for polymer products are identified and their optimal applications given.

Because we are living in an era of Green Science and Technology, developments in the field of bio- and nano- polymer composite materials for advanced structural and medical applications is a rapidly emerging area and the subject of scientific attention. In light of the continuously deteriorating environmental conditions, researchers all over the world have focused an enormous amount of scientific research towards bio-based materials because of their cost effectiveness, eco-friendliness and renewability. This handbook deals with cellulose fibers and nano-fibers and covers the latest advances in bio- and nano- polymer composite materials. This rapidly expanding field is generating many exciting new materials with novel properties and promises to yield advanced applications in diverse fields. This book reviews vital issues and topics and will be of interest to academicians, research scholars, polymer engineers and researchers in industries working in the subject area. It will also be a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students at institutes of plastic engineering and other technical institutes.

This handbook covers characteristics, processability and application areas of biodegradable polymers, with key polymer family groups discussed. It explores the role of biodegradable polymers in different waste management practices including anaerobic digestion, and considers topics such as the different types of biorefineries for renewable monomers used in producing the building blocks for biodegradable polymers.

Natural Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester and Vinyl Polymer Composites: Characterization, Properties and Applications discusses recent advances on the development, characterization and application of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites. Various types of vinyl ester and vinyl based polymers, such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), low and high density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are discussed. Chapters focus on different composite fabrication processes, such as compression moulding, hand lay-up, and pultrusion processes. Key themes covered include the properties and characterization of vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites reinforced by natural fibers. The effect of fiber treatment and coupling agents on mechanical and physical properties of these materials is also evaluated. In addition to a determination of physical and mechanical properties, studies on thermal, degradation, swelling behavior, and the morphological properties of natural fiber reinforced vinyl ester and vinyl polymer composites is also presented. - Presents the importance of vinyl ester and vinyl-based polymers as matrices in natural fiber composites - Provides a detailed and comprehensive review on the development, characterization and applications of natural fiber vinyl ester and vinyl polymers composites - Looks at recent fabrication techniques and the mechanical properties of materials - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field

Lignocellulosic Fibre and Biomass-Based Composite Materials reviews the development, characterization and applications of composite materials developed from the effective use of lignocellulosic fibre and biomass. The book gathers together a wide spectrum of cutting-edge research on biomass fillers and reinforcements used for the fabrication and synthesis of composites. The book takes a systematic approach, investigating processing, design, characterization and applications of biocomposites, in order to establish their important relationship as a general guideline for end-user applications. Beginning with an introduction to biomass and its composites, a team of leading experts in the field cover rice husk, kenaf, oil palm, alfa and doum fibres, bamboo, cork, and many other materials, considering a range of applications, along with key issues such as performance and sustainability. The groundbreaking research presented opens the door to obtaining advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. This will be become an extremely useful reference and technical guide for academic and industrial researchers in composite materials, as well as for advanced students and industrialists working in material commercialization. - Gathers together a wide spectrum of research on lignocellulosic fiber and biomass fillers and reinforcements used for the fabrication and synthesis of composites - Presents multidisciplinary work in relation to materials engineering, polymer chemistry and physics, materials processing, organic synthesis and industrial design and applications - Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from processing, design, characterization and applications of biocomposites

Polymers are converted into finished products through a series of steps which include mixing in additives and various types of forming. Following an introduction to polymer science and its importance to various fields, the author describes these processes from a practical, application-oriented perspective. Global suppliers of raw materials, machinery and equipment are also given, making this book an invaluable resource for industry practitioners.

THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITES The monograph represents a life-long career in industry and academia and creates an exhaustive and comprehensive narrative that gives a complete understanding of important and state-of-the-art aspects of polymer composites including processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Based on 40 years’ experience in both industry and academia, the author’s goal is to make a comprehensive and up-to-date account that gives a complete understanding of various aspects of polymer composites covering processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Divided into 8 main chapters, the book treats thermoplastics vs. thermosets and the processing of thermoplastics; filled polymer composites; short fiber reinforced composites; long fiber reinforced composites; continuous fiber reinforced composites; nanocomposites; applications; and recycling polymer composites. Readers can have confidence that: Thermoplastic Polymer Composites (TPC) gives a comprehensive understanding of polymer composites’ processing, properties, applications, and their recyclability; Provides a complete understanding of man-made as well as natural fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and explores in depth how short fiber, long fiber, and continuous fiber can transform the entire domain of composites’ processing and properties; Provides a deep understanding of nanocomposites with more than 50 examples covering both commodities as well as engineering thermoplastics. It presents conducting composites and several bio-medical applications of composites that are already passed through laboratories. Audience This unique reference book will be of great value to researchers and postgraduate students in materials science, polymer science, as well industry engineers in plastics manufacturing. Those working in product development laboratories of polymer and allied industries will also find it helpful.