Macromolecular Science & Engineering

As an area of high topical interest, Biopolymers - New materials for Sustainable Films and Coatings covers the development and utilization of polymers derived from bioresources, with a particular focus on film and coating applications. With growing concern for the environment and the rising price of crude oil, there is increasing demand for non-petroleum-based polymers from renewable resources. Leading research groups worldwide in industry and academe are working on such technology with the objective of applying the latest advances in the field. Written by well-respected experts, this text systematically covers the extraction and production of selected biopolymers as well as their properties and application as films or coatings in a variety of uses. The areas addressed include food packaging, edible coatings, paper coatings and agricultural films. Intended for researchers and students, this book will also be of interest to industry, especially in terms of the practical applications.

In the search for sustainable materials, natural polymers present an attractive alternative for many applications compared to their synthetic counterparts derived from petrochemicals. The two volume set, Natural Polymers, covers the synthesis, characterisation and applications of key natural polymeric systems including their morphology, structure, dynamics and properties. Volume one focuses on natural polymer composites, including both natural and protein fibres, and volume two on natural polymer nanocomposites. The first volume examines the characterization, life cycle assessment and new sources of natural fibres and their potential as a replacement for synthetic fibres in industrial applications. It then explores the important advancements in the field of wool, silk, spidersilk and mussel byssus fibres. The second volume looks at the properties and characterization of cellulose, chitosan, furanic, starch, wool and silk nanocomposites and the potential industrial applications of natural polymer nanocomposites. With contributions from leading researchers in natural polymers from around the globe, Natural Polymers provides a valuable reference for material scientists, polymer chemists and polymer engineers.

In the search for sustainable materials, natural polymers present an attractive alternative for many applications compared to their synthetic counterparts derived from petrochemicals. The two volume set, Natural Polymers, covers the synthesis, characterisation and applications of key natural polymeric systems including their morphology, structure, dynamics and properties. Volume one focuses on natural polymer composites, including both natural and protein fibres, and volume two on natural polymer nanocomposites. The first volume examines the characterization, life cycle assessment and new sources of natural fibres and their potential as a replacement for synthetic fibres in industrial applications. It then explores the important advancements in the field of wool, silk, spidersilk and mussel byssus fibres. The second volume looks at the properties and characterization of cellulose, chitosan, furanic, starch, wool and silk nanocomposites and the potential industrial applications of natural polymer nanocomposites. With contributions from leading researchers in natural polymers from around the globe, Natural Polymers provides a valuable reference for material scientists, polymer chemists and polymer engineers.

Characterizes the mechanical and molecular structure of silks with an emphasis on development and application of high-performance and composite materials. Discusses the synthesis of native and synthetic silks and silk-like materials, with particular focus on genetic encoding and engineering. Examines the structure-property relationship of silks and silk-like materials. Serves as an aid in the design of polymers targeted for specific functions.