CRC Press Green Biorenewable Biocomposites: From Knowledge to Industrial Applications

Keeping in mind the advantages of bio-based materials, this book focuses on the potential efficacy of different biocomposites procured from diverse natural resources and the preparation and processing of the biocomposites to be used for a variety of applications. Each chapter gives an overview on a particular biocomposite material and its processing and successful utilization for selected applications. The chapters summarize recently developed research on such topics as: • Spider silk biocomposites • Biogenic hydroxyapatite-based implant biocomposites • Liquid crystals and cellulose derivatives biocomposites • Bio-based epoxy resins • Bio-based polyphenols and lignocellulosic fibers • Wood-based biocomposites • Flame retardant biocomposites • Biocomposites for industrial noise control • Cellulose-based bionanocomposites Each individual chapter also focuses on the knowledge and understanding of the interfaces manifested in these biocomposites systems and the optimization of different parameters for novel properties. In addition to this, the book also summarizes the recent developments made in the area of injection molding of biocomposites, chemical functionalization of natural fibers, processing of biocomposites, and their applications in the automotive and biomedical industries. A number of critical issues and suggestions for future work are discussed, underscoring the roles of researchers for the efficient development of biocomposite materials through value addition to enhance their use. Review "... This volume, edited by Thakur and Kessler (both, Washington State Univ.), includes some of the same biomaterials, such as cellulose and nanocellulose, as in similarly titled books, but it also includes hydroxyapatite and spider silk.  It largely focuses on composites prepared for specific applications, with several chapters describing biocomposites for sound absorption and others for use in the body, but biocomposite processing and properties are extensively discussed throughout much of the book. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners."--P. G. Heiden, Michigan Technological University, About the Author Vijay Kumar Thakur, PhD, is staff scientist at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. He is an editorial board member of several international journals, including Advanced Chemistry Letters, Lignocelluloses, Drug Inventions Today, International Journal of Energy Engineering, and Journal of Textile Science & Engineering and is also a member of scientific bodies around the world. His former appointments include as a research scientist in Temasek Laboratories at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, visiting research fellow in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the LungHwa University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, and post doctorate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University. In his academic career, he has published more than 100 research articles, patents, and conference proceedings in the field of polymers and materials science. He has published 10 books and 25 book chapters on the advanced state of the art of polymers/materials science with numerous publishers. He has extensive expertise in the synthesis of polymers (natural/synthetic), nano materials, nanocomposites, biocomposites, graft copolymers, high performance capacitors. and electrochromic materials. Michael R. Kessler, PhD, is an expert in the mechanics, processing, and characterization of polymer matrix composites and nanocomposites. His research thrusts include the development of multifunctional materials (including the development of self-healing structural composites), polymer matrix composites for extreme environments, bio-renewable polymers and composites, and the evaluation of these materials using experime