Sustainable Polymers From Biomass

Offering a unique perspective summarizing research on this timely important topic around the globe, this book provides comprehensive coverage of how molecular biomass can be transformed into sustainable polymers. It critically discusses and compares a few classes of biomass - oxygen-rich, hydrocarbon-rich, hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon (including carbon dioxide) as well as natural polymers - and equally includes products that are already commercialized. A must-have for both newcomers to the field as well as established researchers in both academia and industry.

Offering a unique perspective summarizing research on this timely important topic around the globe, this book provides comprehensive coverage of how molecular biomass can be transformed into sustainable polymers. It critically discusses and compares a few classes of biomass - oxygen-rich, hydrocarbon-rich, hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon (including carbon dioxide) as well as natural polymers - and equally includes products that are already commercialized. A must-have for both newcomers to the field as well as established researchers in both academia and industry.

Technology and Applications of Polymers Derived from Biomass explores the range of different possible routes from biomass to polymeric materials, including the value and limitations of using biomass in material applications and a comparison of petrochemical-derived polymers and bio-based polymers. The book discusses biomass sources, types, chemistry and handling concerns. It covers the manufacture of industrial chemicals from biomass and the derivation of monomers and polymers from biomass. It also details the processing and applications of biomass-derived polymers to enable materials scientists and engineers realize the potential of biomass as a sustainable source of polymers, including plastics and elastomers. The book is a one-stop-shop reference—giving students a basic understanding of the technology and how the material can be applied to industrial processes they will face in the workforce, and giving materials engineers and product designers the information they need to make more informed material selection decisions. Provides fundamental understanding of an increasingly important approach to sourcing polymeric materials Includes actionable, relevant information to enable materials engineers and product designers consider biomass-derived polymers in the products they are developing Discusses the environmental impact of biomass conversion to help readers improve the sustainability of their operations Compares petrochemical-derived polymers with bio-based polymers

This book discusses synthesis and characterization of sustainable polymers. The book covers opportunities and challenges of using sustainable polymers to replace existing petroleum based feedstock. This volume provides insights into the chemistry of polymerization, and discusses tailoring the properties of the polymers at the source in order fit requirements of specific applications. The book also covers processing of these polymers and their critical assessment. The book will be of use to chemists and engineers in the industry and academia working on sustainable polymers and their commercialization to replace dependence on petroleum-based polymers.

With daily signals, Nature is communicating us that its unconscious wicked exploitation is no more sustainable. Our socio-economic system focuses on production increasing without considering the consequences. We are intoxicating ourselves on a daily bases just to allow the system to perpetuate itself. The time to switch into more natural solutions is come and the scientific community is ready to offer more natural product with comparable performance then the market products we are used to deal with. This book collects a broad set of scientific examples in which research groups from all over the world, aim to replace fossil fuel-based solutions with biomass derived materials. In here, some of the most innovative developments in the field of bio-materials are reported considering topics which goes from biomass valorization to the synthesis of high preforming bio-based materials.

The use of polymeric materials from renewable resources dates back in history. Even though synthetic polymers dominated the market for years, there is now a need for the development of sustainable, safe, and environmentally benign plastics from renewable resources. Green polymers from renewable resources can be isolated from biomass, obtained through the chemical modification of natural polymers, or synthesized through a two-step process from biomass involving monomer synthesis and then polymerization. Finally, polymer synthesis can be achieved in plants through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide or in microorganisms (e.g. synthesis of poly(hydroxy-alkanoate)s). In this issue, the developments in sustainable polymers including PLA, PHB, and furan-based materials are presented together with those concerning bionanocomposites of lignocellulosic mater or starch, and blends of bioplastics. The use of biomass-based plasticizers, fillers, and additives for the improvement of polymers' properties and the applications of biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid, carrageenans, chitosan, and polysaccharides in medicine and pharmaceutics are discussed.

This book effectively links the latest scientific advances to current technological applications of polymers, mainly focusing on biodegradable polymers obtained from biomass. The individual chapters were written by academic and industry researchers alike, introducing readers to topics that have received little attention in the literature to date. Key topics covered include polymers used in various areas such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals, energy production and the cosmetics industry, as well as the treatment of aqueous effluents.

Biobased Polymers: Properties and Applications in Packaging looks at how biopolymers may be used in packaging as a potential green solution. The book addresses bio-based feedstocks, production processes, packaging types, recent trends in packaging, the environmental impact of bio-based polymers, and legislative demands for food contact packaging materials. Chapters explore opportunities for biopolymers in key end-use sectors, the penetration of biopolymer based concepts in the packaging market, and barriers to widespread commercialization. As the development of bio-based material is an important factor for sustainably growing the packaging industry, these recent trends in consumer markets are extremely important as we move towards greener packaging. Hence, this resource is an invaluable addition on the topic. Offers a comprehensive introduction to the subject for researchers interested in bio-based products, green and sustainable chemistry, polymer chemistry and materials science Covers the market for bio-based materials Includes discussions on legislative demands for food contact packaging materials Describes interesting new technologies, including nanotechnology approaches