This comprehensive review explores the manufacture and use of textiles that are beneficial due to their biodegradable nature and/or the sustainability of their fiber source. Biodegradable and Sustainable Fibres opens with a discussion of microbial processes in fibre degradation. It then discusses the major fiber types, including bast fibers, alginates, cellulose, and important specialty fibers. The development of synthetic silks is covered, and biodegradable natural fiber composites, nonwovens, and geotextiles are reviewed. The book closes with a review of the history and future of soya bean protein fibers.

From the Introduction: “...A material is defined as `biodegradable' if it is able to be broken down into simpler substances (elements and compounds) by naturally occurring decomposers — essentially, anything that can be ingested by an organism without causing that organism harm...[A] sustainable fibre is one that ideally involves completely renewable chemicals in its production and non-fossil-fuel-derived energy in the production processes. Renewable sources of polymeric materials offer an answer to maintaining sustainable development of economically and ecologically attractive technology...”

Target Audience: Fiber and textile scientists, textile technologists, and forensic specialists in industry and academia.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Microbial Processes in the Degradation of Fibers

Bast Fibres (Flax, Hemp, Jute, Ramie, Kenaf, Abaca)

Alginate Fibers

Cellulosic Fibres and Fabric Processing

Lyocell Fibres

Poly(lactic Acid) Fibers

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) and Poly(caprolactone)

The Route to Synthetic Silks

Biodegradable Natural Fiber Composites

Biodegradable Nonwovens

Natural Geotextiles

Conversion of Cellulose, Chitin and Chitosan to Filaments with Simple Salt Solutions

Soya Bean Protein Fibres — Past, Present and Future

Index