Polyester-Based Biocomposites highlights the performance of polyester-based biocomposites reinforced with various natural fibres extracted from leaf, stem, fruit bunch, grass and wood material. It also addresses the characteristics of polyester-based biocomposites reinforced with rice husk fillers and various nanoparticles. This book explores the widespread applications of fibre-reinforced polymer composites in the aerospace sector, automotive parts, construction and building materials, sports equipment and household appliances. Investigating the advantages of natural fibres, such as superior damping characteristics, low density, biodegradability, abundant availability at low cost and non-abrasive to tooling, this book discusses what makes them a cost-effective alternative reinforcement material for composites in certain applications. This book serves as a useful reference for researchers, graduate students and engineers in the field of polymer composites.

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

Natural/Biofiber composites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber composites, particularly in automotive, packaging, building, and consumer product industries, and becoming one of the fastest growing additives for thermoplastics. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites provides a clear understanding of the present state

Epoxy-Based Biocomposites highlights the influence of fibre type, nanofillers, and ageing conditions on the performance of epoxy-based biocomposites subjected to various loading conditions. This book serves as a useful reference for researchers, graduate students, and engineers in the field of polymer composites. In addition to investigating the behaviour of hybrid biocomposites and biocomposites reinforced with various nanofillers, this book discusses the response of epoxy-based biocomposites exposed to moisture absorption, accelerated weathering, and hygrothermal ageing. This book also considers the static and dynamic properties, such as creep, fatigue, and free vibration properties.

Collating otherwise hard-to-get and recently acquired knowledge in one work, this is a comprehensive reference on the synthesis, properties, characterization, and applications of this eco-friendly class of plastics. A group of internationally renowned researchers offer their first-hand experience and knowledge, dealing exclusively with those biodegradable polyesters that have become increasingly important over the past two decades due to environmental concerns on the one hand and newly-devised applications in the biomedical field on the other. The result is an unparalleled overview for the industrial chemist and materials scientist, as well as for developers and researchers in industry and academia alike.

Vinyl Ester-Based Biocomposites provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments, characterization, and applications of natural fiber-reinforced vinyl ester biocomposites. It also addresses the importance of natural fiber reinforcement on the mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. The book explores the widespread applications of natural fibre-reinforced vinyl ester composites ranging from the aerospace sector, automotive parts, construction and building materials, sports equipment, to household appliances. Investigating the moisture absorption and ageing on the physio-chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the vinyl ester-based composites, this book also considers the influence of hybridization, fibre architecture, and fiber-ply orientation. The book serves as a useful reference for researchers, graduate students, and engineers in the field of polymer composites.

Advances in nanotechnology are leading to the creation of composites with a myriad of medical applications. This forward-thinking book melds research in biocomposites with advances in nanocomposite technology to provide an interdisciplinary resource on advanced materials for the biomedical industry. It brings together pioneering researchers who describe their contributions to the field. Among other areas, they cover nanostructured polymer composites and nano/bio composites. They look at developments in tissue engineering, safer resins for tooth and bone repair, and improved artificial joints. They also discuss potential opportunities for continued research in this well-funded field.

Biocomposites for High-Performance Applications: Current Barriers and Future Needs Towards Industrial Development focuses on future research directions that will make biocomposites a successful player in the field of high-strength structural applications. With contributions from eminent academic researchers and industrial experts who have first-hand experience on the advantages/disadvantages of biocomposites in their daily lives, the book examines the industrial development of biocomposite products, identifying the current barriers and their future industrial needs Topics covered include: recent research activities from academia in the biocomposite research field, valuable thoughts and insights from biocomposite manufacturing industries, the strength and weaknesses of biocomposite products, and the practical issues that need to be addressed to reach the next level. - Highlights the practical issues involved in biocomposites research - Contains contributions from eminent academic researchers and industrial experts - Discusses recent research activities from academia in the biocomposite research field, along with valuable thoughts and insights from biocomposite manufacturing industries

AGRO-WASTE DERIVED BIOPOLYMERS AND BIOCOMPOSITES This comprehensive book describes the fundamental principles and major advancements in the utilization of agro-waste for deriving biopolymers, and their applications to fabricate composite, nanocomposite, and hybrid food packaging films and coatings. The book serves as a complete, systematic, comprehensive account of the contemporary developments in the area of novel and environment-friendly valorization of agro- and food wastes into value-added products like biodegradable polymer and active functional agents for food packaging applications. It also describes the hurdles and challenges in the commercialization of these novel biopolymer-based materials, including their composites, their applications, safety, and legal ramifications. This book consists of fifteen chapters covering different aspects of agro- and food waste utilization, the development of biodegradable polymers, and their composites for sustainable food packaging applications. The first thirteen chapters detail the processing of various agro- and food wastes of plant and animal origin to synthesize different biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, silk proteins, pectin, etc., and their applications for the fabrication of sustainable food packaging materials and composites that are attractive alternatives to synthetic plastic packaging. These chapters also summarize the effectiveness of these biopolymers and their composites in developing active films and edible coatings for shelf-life extension and preservation of perishable foods. A chapter is devoted to issues of biodegradability, including analyses of various biodegradation reactions, such as depolymerization, mineralization, biochemical, and abiotic degradation both in soil and aquatic environments. The book concludes with a chapter addressing the concerns associated with the possible migration of components or additives from these biodegradable packaging into packaged food items. Audience The primary audience for this book is researchers, scientists, and engineers working in food science and technology, food engineering and technology, food biotechnology, sustainable food packaging, etc. Additionally, food entrepreneurs and associated businesses, such as the packaging and coatings industries, will also have a keen interest in the book.