Handbook of Biopolymer–Based Materials From Blends and Composites to Gels and Complex Networks FROM BLENDS AND COMPOSITES TO GELS AND COMPLEX NETWORKS

The growing interest among academics and industrial researchers in the field of biopolymers is the driving force behind the present book. Although there are numerous research publications in the field of biopolymers till date no systematic scientific reference book has been published in the area of micro and nanostructured biopolymer systems. Specifically, morphology, structure, dynamics, properties and applications of all important biopolymers are discussed in detail in two volumes. The book illustrates micro and nanostructured biopolymer systems based on polymer blends, polymer composites, interpenetrating networks and gels. All the synthetic routes to the generation of both micro- and nano-morphologies are discussed as are the synthesis, characterization and application of porous biopolymers. State-of-the-art techniques for the characterization of biopolymers and their micro- and nano-morphologies are illustrated in detail. Processing?morphology?property relationships in micro- and nanostructured biopolymer systems are established. The behavior of biopolymers is modeled. Finally, the various applications of biopolymer systems are highlighted. Each Chapter is written by a leading expert in the field. Volume 1 covers morphology, structure and properties, while Volume 2 deals with characterisation and applications.

This first systematic scientific reference in the area of micro and nanostructured biopolymer systems discusses in two volumes the morphology, structure, dynamics, properties and applications of all important biopolymers, as well as their blends, composites, interpenetrating networks and gels. Selected leading researchers from industry, academia, government and private research institutions around the globe comprehensively review recent accomplishments in the field. They examine the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities and applications, discussing all the synthetic routes to the generation of both micro- and nano-morphologies, as well as the synthesis, characterization and application of porous biopolymers. With figures and tables available as supplementary PowerPoint files, this is an outstanding resource for anyone involved in the field of eco-friendly biomaterials for advanced technologies.