This book discusses new developments in an up-to-date, coherent and objective set of chapters by eminent researchers in the area of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites. It covers, biomaterials such as cellulose, chitin, starch, soy protein, hemicelluloses, polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Other important topics such as hybrid biocomposites and bionanocomposites of polypropylene, biodegradation study of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites, polypropylene-based bionanocomposites for packaging applications, polypropylene-based carbon nanomaterials reinforced nanocomposites, degradation and flame retardency of polypropylene-based composites and nanocomposites, are covered as well.

Biodegradable polymers have experienced a growing interest in recent years for applications in packaging, agriculture, automotive, medicine, and other areas. One of the drivers for this development is the great quantity of synthetic plastic discarded improperly in the environment. Therefore, R&D in industry and in academic research centers, search for materials that are reprocessable and biodegradable. This unique book comprises 12 chapters written by subject specialists and is a state-of-the-art look at all types of polyethylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites. It includes deep discussion on the preparation, characterisation and applications of composites and nanocomposites of polyethylene-based biomaterials such as cellulose, chitin, starch, soy protein, PLA, casein, hemicellulose, PHA and bacterial cellulose.

This book discusses new developments in an up-to-date, coherent and objective set of chapters by eminent researchers in the area of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites. It covers, biomaterials such as cellulose, chitin, starch, soy protein, hemicelluloses, polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Other important topics such as hybrid biocomposites and bionanocomposites of polypropylene, biodegradation study of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites, polypropylene-based bionanocomposites for packaging applications, polypropylene-based carbon nanomaterials reinforced nanocomposites, degradation and flame retardency of polypropylene-based composites and nanocomposites, are covered as well.

The recent explosion of interdisciplinary research has fragmented the knowledge base surrounding renewable polymers. The Chemistry of Bio-based Polymers, 2nd edition brings together, in one volume, the research and work of Professor Johannes Fink, focusing on biopolymers that can be synthesized from renewable polymers. After introducing general aspects of the field, the book's subsequent chapters examine the chemistry of biodegradable polymeric types sorted by their chemical compounds, including the synthesis of low molecular compounds. Various categories of biopolymers are detailed including vinyl-based polymers, acid and lactone polymers, ester and amide polymers, carbohydrate-related polymers and others. Procedures for the preparation of biopolymers and biodegradable nanocomposites are arranged by chemical methods and in vitro biological methods, with discussion of the issue of "plastics from bacteria." The factors influencing the degradation and biodegradation of polymers used in food packaging, exposed to various environments, are detailed at length. The book covers the medical applications of bio-based polymers, concentrating on controlled drug delivery, temporary prostheses, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Professor Fink also addresses renewable resources for fabricating biofuels and argues for localized biorefineries, as biomass feedstocks are more efficiently handled locally.

Beginning with a general overview of nanocomposites, Bionanocomposites: Integrating Biological Processes for Bio-inspired Nanotechnologies details the systems available in nature (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) that can be integrated within suitable inorganic matrices for specific applications. Describing the relationship between architecture, hierarchy and function, this book aims at pointing out how bio-systems can be key components of nanocomposites. The text then reviews the design principles, structures, functions and applications of bionanocomposites. It also includes a section presenting related technical methods to help readers identify and understand the most widely used analytical tools such as mass spectrometry, calorimetry, and impedance spectroscopy, among others.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of bionanocomposites, a class of materials that consist of a biopolymer matrix which is embedded with nanoparticles and natural fibres as reinforcement to produce novel material and achieve superior physico-chemical and mechanical properties. The book looks into the synthesis of various forms of nanoparticles, the fabrication methods, and the characterization of bionanocomposites. It also includes topics related to the sustainability and life prediction of bionanocomposites such as biodegradability, recycling, and re-use. An important aspect in the designing of bionanocomposites includes computational modeling, and the suitability of the bionanocomposites in various applications is presented. This book appeals to students, researchers, and scientists looking to gain fundamental knowledge, know about recent advancements in the research on bionanocomposites and their applications.

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.

This book is part of a two-volume book series that exhaustively reviews the key recent research into nanoclay reinforced polymer composites. This second volume focuses on nanoclay based nanocomposites and bionanocomposites fabrication, characterization and applications. This includes classification of nanoclay, chemical modification and processing techniques of nanocomposites. The book also provides comprehensive information about nanoclay modification and functionalization; modification of nanoclay systems, geological and mineralogical research on clays suitability; bio-nanocomposites based on nanoclays; modelling of mechanical behaviour of halloysite based composites; mechanical and thermal properties of halloysite nanocomposites; the effect of Nanoclays on gas barrier properties of polymers and modified nanocomposites. This book is a valuable reference guide for academics and industrial practitioners alike.

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.

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the field, Biofiller-Reinforced Biodegradable Polymer Composites examines biodegradable composites derived from biofiller and biodegradable polymers while providing critical information for efficient use of biocomposites developed from natural resources. Discusses advanced techniques for the use of both biofiller and biodegradable polymers as the matrix for composites. Highlights application of both natural fiber and natural matrix for composites in the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. Introduces the basics of biocomposites, the processing and characteristics of new composite materials, and new combinations of composites such as soy protein and nanocellulose. Elaborates on the introduction of new materials to develop biodegradable polymers. This book has been written for researchers, advanced students, and professional engineers and materials scientists working in the area of bio-based polymers, natural fiber composites, and biocomposites.