Synthesis and Applications of Biopolymer Composites

• Main Author: Díez-Pascual, Ana (auth)
• Other Authors: Cinelli, Patrizia (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2019
• Subjects: Technology: general issues; biodegradable films; chitosan; natural rubber; n/a; toughening; elastomer; deoxycholic acid; cellulose fibers; amphiphilic polymer; cross-link density; antioxidant activity; nanocomposites; silk fibroin; impact properties; conductivity; antimicrobial agents; Py-GC/MS; Poly(propylene carbonate); biodisintegration; peptide-cellulose conformation; nanocomposite; alginate films; toughness; protease sensor; physical and mechanical properties; biocomposites; nanocellulose; thermal decomposition kinetics; potato protein; micelles; nanofibers; mechanical properties; active packaging materials; cellulose; structural profile; glycol chitosan; glass transition; essential oils; compatibility; plasticized starch; natural fibers; biopolyester; human neutrophil elastase; biodegradation; bio-composites; fiber/matrix adhesion; ?-tocopherol succinate; MgO whiskers; carbon nanotubes; PLLA; electrospinning; chitin nanofibrils; FTIR; biopolymers composites; DMA; wheat gluten; water uptake; folic acid; polycarbonate; aerogel; surfactant; paclitaxel; chemical pre-treatment; biomass; thermoplastic polyurethane; poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hydroxyvalerate); stress-strain; polyfunctional monomers; bio-based polymers; tensile properties; compatibilizer; TG/FTIR; PVA; in vitro degradation; poly(lactic acid); heat deflection temperature
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

This book, as a collection of 17 research articles, provides a selection of the most recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of environmentally friendly and biodegradable biopolymer composites and nanocomposites. Recently, the demand has been growing for a clean and pollution-free environment and an evident target regarding the minimization of fossil fuel usage. Therefore, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleum-based commodity plastics by biodegradable materials arising from biological and renewable resources. Biopolymers-polymers produced from natural sources either chemically from a biological material or biosynthesized by living organisms-are suitable alternatives for addressing these issues due to their outstanding properties, including good barrier performance, biodegradation ability, and low weight. However, they generally possess poor mechanical properties, a short fatigue life, low chemical resistance, poor long-term durability, and limited processing capability. In order to overcome these deficiencies, biopolymers can be reinforced with fillers or nanofillers (with at least one of their dimensions in the nanometer range). Bionanocomposites are advantageous for a wide range of applications, such as in medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, food packaging, agriculture, forestry, electronics, transport, construction, and many more.