Biodegradable Polymers for Industrial Applications - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1855739348 ISBN 13: 9781855739345

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

The vast majority of plastic products are made from petroleum-based synthetic polymers that do not degrade in a landfill or in a compost-like environment. Therefore, the disposal of these products poses a serious environmental problem. An environmentally-conscious alternative is to design/synthesize polymers that are biodegradable.Biodegradable polymers for industrial applications introduces the subject by outlining the classification and development of biodegradable polymers. Materials available for the production of biodegradable polymers are explored. Polymers derived from sugars, natural fibres, renewable forest resources, poly(lactic acid) and protein-nanoparticle composites are looked at in detail in this section. The properties and mechanisms of degradation are looked at, prefacing the subject with a chapter on current standards. The final part explores opportunities for industrial applications, with chapters on packing, agriculture and biodegradable polycaprolactone foams in supercritical carbon dioxide.Biodegradable polymers for industrial applications explores the fundamental concepts concerning the development of biodegradable polymers, degradable polymers from sustainable sources, degradation and properties and industrial applications. It is an authoritative book that is invaluable for academics, researchers and policy makers in the industry.

• Reviews the importance and industrial use of biodegradable polymers and degradable polymers from sustainable sources
• An invaluable resource for both academics and industry
• Edited by a leading authority in the field with contributions from a worldwide team of experts

About this title

About the Author

Dr Ray Smith is a senior lecturer in the Materials Department at Queen Mary University of London.

From the Back Cover

The vast majority of plastic products are made from
petroleum-based synthetic polymers that do not degrade in a landfill or in
a compost-like environment. Therefore, the disposal of these products poses
a serious environmental problem. An environmentally-conscious alternative
is to design/synthesize polymers that are biodegradable.

Biodegradable polymers for industrial applications introduces the subject
by outlining the classification and development of biodegradable polymers.
Materials available for the production of biodegradable polymers are
explored. Polymers derived from sugars, natural fibres, renewable forest
resources, poly(lactic acid) and protein-nanoparticle composites are looked
at in detail in this section. The properties and mechanisms of degradation
are looked at, prefacing the subject with a chapter on current standards.
The final part explores opportunities for industrial applications, with
chapters on packing, agriculture and biodegradable polycaprolactone foams
in supercritical carbon dioxide.

Biodegradable polymers for industrial applications explores the fundamental
concepts concerning the development of biodegradable polymers, degradable
polymers from sustainable sources, degradation and properties and
industrial applications. It is an authoritative book that will be
invaluable for academics, researchers and policy makers in the industry.

Edition details

• Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1855739348
• ISBN 13: 9781855739345
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 552
• Editor: Smith Robin