Search

Starch is one of the most widely available natural biomaterials and is commonly used in biodegradable packaging. This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in starch-based materials. The book focuses on the types of starch available from different sources, in particular the various aspects of preparation, structure, processing, morphology, properties and applications of starch materials and their polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. It is ideal for students and researchers in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, biotechnology and life sciences working in bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites, well as those interested in its applications.

There is much interest in biodegradable polymers for different uses and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have potential applications in a broad range of areas from food packaging to biomedical applications. The book will provide a comprehensive overview of the recent accomplishments in the area of polyhydroxyalkanoates providing a resource that helps find solutions to both fundamental and applied problems. The book introduces polyhydroxyalkanoates including their biosynthesis, recovery and extraction followed by specific chapters on blends, composites and nanocomposites. The book finishes with the applications of the materials including additives in paints, adhesives, production of plastics as well as tissue engineering and drug delivery. The book provides a reference for students and researchers in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, biotechnology and life sciences working in the field of bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites as well as those interested in its applications.