This volume presents the results of numerous worldwide studies focusing on the implementation of natural polymers as engineering plastics and the use of their inherent properties. It discusses the processing and, more extensively, the application, of cellulose- and protein-based natural materials as reinforcements for polymer composites. The book offers comprehensive coverage of the structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics — as well as the mechanical behavior — of these materials. All natural polymers currently used in the blending or reinforcement of synthetic polymers are discussed.

From the Preface: “...Unfortunately...the environmental impact of synthetic petroleum-based polymers remains very acute. One possible solution is using natural biopolymers and developing techniques for processing them with existing plastic processing equipment. Another option is blending synthetic polymers and natural polymers; yet another is using natural biopolymers as reinforcement in polymer composites, e.g., replacing glass fiber reinforcements of polymer composites with natural fibers...”

Target Audience: Engineers, researchers, designers, materials specifiers, upper level students, and any other reader concerned with biopolymers, biocomposites, and their applications.

Table of Contents:

Introduction:

Characterization of Natural Fibers

Surface Modification of Natural Fibers: Chemical Aspects

Polysaccharide-Based Materials:

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 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

Protein-Based Materials:

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

Wood- and Lignin-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 Developments

Chemical Modification of Wood

Wood Fiber Mats as Reinforcements for Thermosets

Biodegradability through Blending and Bioplastics (All-Green Plastics):

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

Index