Bio-Based Polymers And Composites

This book addresses the cost-effective utilization of many common crop plants to make high performance, engineered materials. Such plants produce Oils, Proteins, Polysaccharides and Fibers which can be converted to plastics, adhesives and composite materials. The steps toward the sustainable development of bio-based materials involve (a) Biotechnology of plants, (b) Plant Growth, (c) Plant Processing, (d) Plant Utilization and (e) Materials Mass Production. Also presented are the key barriers to integrating these steps. In a systematic manner, the authors present the fundamental issues for the mass production of low cost, sustainable new bio-based products and materials for end use applications including automotive, construction, housing, defense, sports, textiles and materials in general.

* First book describing the utilization of crops to make high performance plastics, adhesives, and composites
* Interdisciplinary approach to the subject, integrating genetic engineering, plant science, food science, chemistry, physics, nano-technology, and composite manufacturing.
* Explains how to make green materials at low cost from soyoil, proteins, starch, natural fibers, recycled newspapers, chicken feathers and waste agricultural by-products.