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We rely upon plastics for a great many functions in everyday life, from the cases of consumer electronics to disposable cutlery, plastics are versatile and convenient. However, with the supply of fossil fuels from which fossil-based plastics are derived becoming smaller and more expensive the need for alternatives is becoming increasingly apparent. Policy makers, environmentalists and consumers are increasing pressure on plastics manufacturers to look for greener alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Bioplastics are materials that are derived wholly or partially from biomass feedstocks, making them renewable, whilst maintaining the desirable properties of fossil-based plastics. Many, although not all, bioplastics are also more readily degradable than conventional plastics, a property increasingly desired by consumers. A variety of different bioplastics have already been developed and the field continues to grow. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse subjects relating to bioplastics, including materials science, manufacture and processing and social and environmental impacts. It provides a valuable introduction both for those studying plastics at a graduate level and those starting to work in the field.

Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications The 2nd edition of this successful Handbook explores the extensive and growing applications made with bioplastics and biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics are materials that are being researched as a possible replacement for petroleum-based traditional plastics to make them more environmentally friendly. They are made from renewable resources and may be naturally recycled through biological processes, conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. The 30 chapters in the Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications discuss a wide range of technologies and classifications concerned with bioplastics and biocomposites with their applications in various paradigms including the engineering segment. Chapters cover the biobased materials; recycling of bioplastics; biocomposites modeling; various biomedical and engineering-based applications including optical devices, smart materials, cosmetics, drug delivery, clinical, electrochemical, industrial, flame retardant, sports, packaging, disposables, and biomass. The different approaches to sustainability are also treated. Audience The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists, and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

This Handbook is the first to explore the extensive applications made with bioplastics & biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics and biocomposites are becoming increasingly prominent because synthetic plastics and glass fiber composites are neither sustainable nor environmentally friendly. The Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications brings together scientists from academia and industry to report on current research and applications in the bioplastics and biocomposites arena. This new science is interdisciplinary and integrates pure and applied sciences such as chemistry, engineering and materials science. The Handbook focuses on five main categories of applications: Packaging; Civil Engineering; Biomedical; Automotive; General Engineering. The majority of the chapters review the properties, processing, characterization, synthesis and applications of the bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites including: Polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), guar gum based plastics, cellulose polyesters, starch based bioplastics, vegetable oil derived bioplastics, biopolyethylene, chitosan, etc. Thermoplastic and thermosetting bioplastics and biocomposites with a focus on the automobile industry. The ways how to improve the properties of bioplastics, polymer blends, and biocomposites by combining them with both synthetic and natural fillers and reinforcements such as nanoclays, nanotubes (CNTs), and natural fibers (both wood and plant fibers). Studies that expand the boundaries of bioplastics that will allow for the new materials to be applied to most generic engineering applications. The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.