Engineering Biopolymers: Homopolymers, Blends and Composites

This unique volume covers the results of the world-wide efforts to implement natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. The processing opportunities and the applications of the natural materials as reinforcement of polymer composites are discussed, including the structural, morphological and thermal characterization as well as the mechanical behavior of the obtained materials. Also covered is the preparation of biodegradable homopolymers, blends and composites, which involves chemical reactions, regardless of the type of the starting material.

Charaterization of Natural Fibers

Surface Modification of Natural Fibers: Chemical Aspects

Starch for Injection Molding Purposes

Plastics Filled with Tropical Starches: Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behavior

Starch-Urethane Polymers: Physicochemical Aspects, Properties, Application

Plant-Based Reinforcements for Thermosets: Matrices, Processing and Properties

Pultrusion of Flax-Polypropylene Composite Profiles

Natural and Man-Made Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Processing of Natural and Man-Made of Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Coir and Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Fracture and Failure Behavior of Jute-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Fracture-Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Composites

Mechanical Performance of Plasma-Treated Natural Fiber-Polypropylene Composites

Gelatin and Gelatin-Based Biodegradable Composites: Manufacturing, Properties and Biodegradation Behavior

Soy-based Materials for Drug-Release Applications

Silk-Containing Polymeric Systems

Native and Modified Casein

Corn Gluten Meal-Based Blends and Composites

Plasticization of Wood for Forming Applications

Steam-Exploded Wood Fibers as Reinforcement of Polymer Composites

Wood Fiber Thermoplastic Composites: Processing, Properties and Future Direction

Chemical Modification of Wood

Wood Fiber Mats as Reinforcements for Thermosets

Unconventional Processing Methods for Poly(Hydroxybutyrate)

All-Green Composites

Composite Scaffolds for Bone Engineering

Biodegradation Studies of Polymer Blends and Composites Comprising Biopolymers

Fiber/Resin Interface Modification in "Green" Composites