Biopolymers Making Materials Nature S Way

Provides an overview of new polymer materials to address solid waste problems. Describes the principal technical & economic challenges affecting biopolymer commercialization efforts. Photos, charts & tables.

This first systematic scientific reference in the area of micro- and nanostructured biopolymer systems discusses in two volumes the morphology, structure, dynamics, properties and applications of all important biopolymers, as well as their blends, composites, interpenetrating networks and gels. Selected leading researchers from industry, academia, government and private research institutions around the globe comprehensively review recent accomplishments in the field. They examine the current state of the art, new challenges, and opportunities, discussing all the synthetic routes to the generation of both micro- and nano-morphologies, as well as the synthesis, characterization and application of porous biopolymers. An outstanding resource for anyone involved in the fi eld of eco-friendly biomaterials for advanced technologies.

Biopolymers and biodegradable plastics are finding new applications in various sectors, from packaging, to medical, automotive and many more. As synthetic plastics are increasingly replaced by their bioplastic equivalents, engineers are facing new challenges including processing, costs, environmental sustainability and – ultimately – developing successful products. Biopolymers: Processing and Products, the second book of a trilogy dedicated to biopolymers, gives a detailed insight into all aspects of processing, seamlessly linking the science of biopolymers to the latest trends in the development of new products. Processes covered in the book include blending, compounding, treatment, and shaping, as well as the formation of biocomposites. Biopolymer coatings and adhesives are also investigated. This book unique in its coverage contains information retrieved mainly from patents, which form the bulk of the book. The coverage of processing will help engineers and designers to improve output and efficiency of every stage of the product development process, and will form an indispensable tool in selecting the right biopolymer and processing technique for any given application, covering medical, automotive, food packaging and more. It will assist also engineers, material scientists and researchers to improve existing biopolymer processes and deliver better products at lower cost. Multi-disciplinary approach and critical presentation of all available processing techniques and new products of biopolymers Contains information not to be found in any other book Self-contained chapters

Biopolymers: Applications and Trends provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability. It includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment, not only presenting all the major market players, but also highlighting trends and new developments in products. The book includes a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more, giving engineers critical materials information in an area which has traditionally been more limited than conventional polymers. In addition, the book uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property for companies working on new and innovative products. Provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability Includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment Presents a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more Uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property

Since 1930 more than 100,000 new chemical compounds have been developed and insufficient information exists on the health assessment of 95 percent of these chemicals in which a relevant percentage are used in construction products. For instance Portland cement concrete, the most used material on the Planet (10.000 million tons/year that in the next 40 years will increase around 100 %) currently used in around 15% of total concrete production contains chemicals used to modify their properties, either in the fresh or hardened state. Biopolymers are materials that are developed from natural resources. They reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There is a worldwide demand to replace petroleum-based materials with renewable resources. Currently bio-admixtures represent just a small fraction of the chemical admixtures market (around 20%) but with environmental awareness for constituents in construction materials generally growing (the Construction Products Regulation is being enforced in Europe since 2013), the trend towards bio-admixtures is expected to continue. This book provides an updated state-of-the-art review on biopolymers and their influence and use as admixtures in the development of eco-efficient construction materials. Provides essential knowledge for researchers and producers working on the development of biopolymer-modified construction materials Discusses the various types of biopolymers currently available, their different production techniques, their use as bio-admixtures in concretes and mortars and applications in other areas of civil engineering such as soil stability, wood preservation, adhesives and coatings All contributions are made from leading researchers, who have intensive involvement in the design and use of biopolymers in construction materials

Biopolymers from Renewable Resources is a compilation of information on the diverse and useful polymers derived from agricultural, animal, and microbial sources. The volume provides insight into the diversity of polymers obtained directly from, or derived from, renewable resources. The beneficial aspects of utilizing polymers from renewable resources, when considering synthesis, pro cessing, disposal, biodegradability, and overall material life-cycle issues, suggests that this will continue to be an important and growing area of interest. The individual chapters provide information on synthesis, processing and properties for a variety of polyamides, polysaccharides, polyesters and polyphenols. The reader will have a single volume that provides a resource from which to gain initial insights into this diverse field and from which key references and contacts can be drawn. Aspects of biology, biotechnology, polymer synthesis, polymer processing and engineering, mechanical properties and biophysics are addressed to varying degrees for the specific biopolymers. The volume can be used as a reference book or as a teaching text. At the more practical level, the range of important materials derived from renewable resources is both extensive and impressive. Gels, additives, fibers, coatings and films are generated from a variety of the biopolymers reviewed in this volume. These polymers are used in commodity materials in our everyday lives, as well as in specialty products.