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Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) can generate a voltage when physically deformed. Conversely, an applied small voltage or electrical field can induce an array of spectacular large deformation or actuation behaviours in IPMCs, such as bending, twisting, rolling, twirling, steering and undulating. An important smart material, IPMCs have applications in energy harvesting and as self-powered strain or deformation sensors, they are especially suitable for monitoring the shape of dynamic structures. Other uses include soft actuation applications and as a material for biomimetic robotic soft artificial muscles in industrial and medical contexts. This comprehensive volume on ionic polymer metal composites provides a broad coverage of the state of the art and recent advances in the field written by some of the world's leading experts on various characterizations and modeling of IPMCs. Topics covered in this two volume set include uses in electrochemically active electrodes, electric energy storage devices, soft biomimetic robotics artificial muscles, multiphysics modeling of IPMCs, biomedical applications, IPMCs as dexterous manipulators and tactile sensors for minimally invasive robotic surgery, self-sensing, miniature pumps for drug delivery, IPMC snake-like robots, IPMC microgrippers for microorganisms manipulations, Graphene-based IPMCs and cellulose-based IPMCs or electroactive paper actuators (EAPap). Edited by the leading authority on IMPCs, the broad coverage will appeal to researchers from chemistry, materials, engineering, physics and medical communities interested in both the material and its applications.

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) can generate a voltage when physically deformed. Conversely, an applied small voltage or electrical field can induce an array of spectacular large deformation or actuation behaviours in IPMCs, such as bending, twisting, rolling, twirling, steering and undulating. An important smart material, IPMCs have applications in energy harvesting and as self-powered strain or deformation sensors, they are especially suitable for monitoring the shape of dynamic structures. Other uses include soft actuation applications and as a material for biomimetic robotic soft artificial muscles in industrial and medical contexts. This comprehensive volume on ionic polymer metal composites provides a broad coverage of the state of the art and recent advances in the field written by some of the world's leading experts on various characterizations and modeling of IPMCs. Topics covered in this two volume set include uses in electrochemically active electrodes, electric energy storage devices, soft biomimetic robotics artificial muscles, multiphysics modeling of IPMCs, biomedical applications, IPMCs as dexterous manipulators and tactile sensors for minimally invasive robotic surgery, self-sensing, miniature pumps for drug delivery, IPMC snake-like robots, IPMC microgrippers for microorganisms manipulations, Graphene-based IPMCs and cellulose-based IPMCs or electroactive paper actuators (EAPap). Edited by the leading authority on IMPCs, the broad coverage will appeal to researchers from chemistry, materials, engineering, physics and medical communities interested in both the material and its applications.

The exploration of photothermal nanomaterials with high light-to-heat conversion efficiency has paved the way for practical applications, including in cancer therapy, environmental remediation, catalysis, imaging and biomedicine. Covering the photothermal effect of different categories of light-absorbing nanomaterials, and focusing on metallic nanomaterials, 2D materials, semiconductors, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric nanomaterials and their composites, chapters in this book provide a systematic summary of recent advances in the fabrication and application of photothermal nanomaterials, discussing advantages, challenges and potential opportunities. This text will be a valuable resource for scientists working on photothermal nanomaterials, as well as those interested in the applications across chemistry, biomedicine, nanotechnology and materials science.

Nanotubes (both of carbon and inorganic materials) can be made in a variety of ways, demonstrating a wide range of fascinating properties. Many of these, such as high mechanical strength and interesting electronic properties relate directly to potential applications. Nanowires have been made from a vast array of inorganic materials and provide great scope for further research into their properties and possible applications.Chapters in this book systematically describe the fundamentals and applications of nanotubes and nanowires, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the research area, including synthesis, characterisation, properties and applications.This new edition of Nanotubes and Nanowires includes an extensive list of references and is ideal both for graduates needing an introduction to the field of nanomaterials as well as for professionals and researchers in academia and industry.Review of Nanotubes and Nanowires 1st Edition:“This book does a truly admirable job of summarizing the literature in this rapidly changing field.” Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2006, 128, 4163-4164Review of Nanotubes and Nanowires 2nd Edition:“Rao and Govindaraj do a superb job of distilling the huge literature on inorganic nanotubes and nanowires.” Chemistry & Industry, 2011, 24, 27

Cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) are a class of bio-based nanoscale materials, which are of interest due to their unique structural features and properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewability. They are promising candidates for applications including in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics, barrier films, nanocomposites, membranes, and supercapacitors. New resources, extraction procedures and treatments are currently under development to satisfy increasing demands for cost-effective and sustainable methods of manufacturing new types of cellulose nanoparticle-based materials on an industrial scale. Cellulose Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Manufacturing concentrates on advanced high performance cellulose nanocomposites. Chapters cover the synthesis of advanced materials, manufacturing, and applications of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils. Together with Volume 1, these books form a useful reference work for graduate students and researchers in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience and green nanotechnology.

Cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) are a class of bio-based nanoscale materials, which are of interest due to their unique structural features and properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewability. They are promising candidates for applications including in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics, barrier films, nanocomposites, membranes, and supercapacitors. New resources, extraction procedures and treatments are currently under development to satisfy increasing demands for cost-effective and sustainable methods of manufacturing new types of cellulose nanoparticle-based materials on an industrial scale. Cellulose Nanoparticles: Chemistry and Fundamentals covers the synthesis, characterization and processing of cellulose nanomaterials. It aims to address the recent progress in the production methodologies for cellulose nanoparticles, covering principal cellulose resources and the main processes used for isolation. Chapters cover the preparation and characterisation of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils. Together with Volume 2, these books form a useful reference work for graduate students and researchers in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience and green nanotechnology.

Science and art are increasingly interconnected in the activities of the study and conservation of works of art. Science plays a key role in cultural heritage, from developing new analytical techniques for studying the art, to investigating new ways of preserving the materials for the future. Following on from the 2014 title Science and Art: The Painted Surface, this book consists of a series of chapters written together by scientists, art historians, conservators, curators and artists dedicated to conservation, execution techniques, languages and conceptual topics. Science and Art: The Contemporary Painted Surface largely covers execution techniques, material's conservation and languages of artists, representative of twelve different countries, all protagonists of the development of innovative significant techniques and methodologies. The book opens with a focus on widely historicized artists, such as Jackson Pollock, Lucio Fontana, Enrico Baj, Piero Manzoni and Joseph Albers. Its core is dedicated to the work of major worldwide renowned living artists, in a perspective that, while considering the Sixties as the historical starting point of contemporaneity, does not neglect to offer a view on the work done in the immediately preceding years. Several interviews with artists are included. Final chapters are dedicated to contemporary design, net art, and painted surfaces in contemporary architecture. Presented in an easily readable form for a large audience, the book guides readers into new areas uncovered by the link between science and art, and will be of interest to artists, art historians and curators, as well as those who appreciate art. Reviews of Science and Art: The Painted Surface'Science and Art provides an excellent read for art historians, who will instantly recognise the famous pieces that have been studied, while giving them insight into how a painting was constructed, what it is made from, or how the colours would have looked when they were freshly painted.'Chemistry World, 6 November 2014'Science and Art is recommended for students, teachers, and the general public who are interested in chemistry or other sciences and art, as well as applications of the former to the latter.'J. Chem. Educ., 2016, 93(5), 810–810

Smart materials constructed through supramolecular assemblies have been receiving considerable attention because of their potential applications, which include self-healing materials, energy storage, photonic devices, sensors and theranostics. Host–guest chemistry of various macrocyclic receptors with organic guests provides a unique way to control tailor-made nanoarchitectures for the formation of pre-designed functional materials. Cucurbituril-based Function Materials provides an overview of this fascinating macrocycle, cucurbituril (CB) homologues and derivatives-based supramolecular nanostructured materials. Chapters cover the synthesis, properties and application of CB-based smart materials and nanostructures. With contributions from key researchers, this book will be of interest to students and researchers working in materials science, as well as those working on cucurbituril-based materials in organic and physical chemistry.

Technological and computational advances in the past decade have meant a vast increase in the study of crystalline matter in both organic, inorganic and organometallic molecules. These studies revealed information about the conformation of molecules and their coordination geometry as well as the role of intermolecular interactions in molecular packing especially in the presence of different intermolecular interactions in solids. This resulting knowledge plays a significant role in the design of improved medicinal, mechanical, and electronic properties of single and multi-component solids in their crystalline state. Understanding Intermolecular Interactions in the Solid State explores the different techniques used to investigate the interactions, including hydrogen and halogen bonds, lone pair–pi, and pi–pi interactions, and their role in crystal formation. From experimental to computational approaches, the book covers the latest techniques in crystallography, ranging from high pressure and in situ crystallization to crystal structure prediction and charge density analysis. Thus this book provides a strong introductory platform to those new to this field and an overview for those already working in the area. A useful resource for higher level undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers across crystal engineering, crystallography, physical chemistry, solid-state chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and materials science.

Semiconducting polymers are of great interest for applications in electroluminescent devices, solar cells, batteries and diodes. In recent years vast advances have been made in the area of controlled synthesis of semiconducting polymers, specifically polythiophenes. The book is separated into two main sections, the first will introduce the advances made in polymer synthesis, and the second will focus on the microstructure and property analysis that has been enabled because of the recent advances in synthetic strategies.Edited by one of the leaders in the area of polythiophene synthesis, this new book will bring the field up to date with more recent models for understanding semiconducting polymers. The book will be applicable to materials and polymers chemists in industry and academia from postgraduate level upwards.

With tremendous growth over the last five years, mechanochemistry has become one of the most important topics in current polymer science research. With a particular focus on polymers and soft materials, Mechanochemistry in Materials looks at the subject from the application of macroscopic forces to solid systems of macroscopic dimensions. The book has been divided according to length scale covering both experimental and theoretical considerations simultaneously. The first section of the book focuses on inspiration from nature, exploring and explaining multiple biological phenomena. The second section discusses molecular mechanochemistry, including the theoretical understanding of the transduction of mechanical force and its impact on covalent bonds cleavage and formation. The final section considers the implementation of these phenomena at the mesoscale and discusses the use of supramolecular/reversible aspects with similarities to biological systems. The book provides a unique comparison with natural systems and contains all the important achievements in the area from the last decade. Appealing to a broad range of materials scientists, working in industry and academia, this well-presented and comprehensive title will be essential reading for researchers.

There has been significant growth in the field of nanofluidics, where nanoscale analytical instruments employ micromachined features and are able to manipulate fluid samples with high precision and efficiency and have many advantages over their conventional (larger) analogues. The new edition of Nanofluidics has been fully revised and updated with the latest advancements and applications. With a focus on bioanalysis, specific applications are given with case studies. The end of each chapter now also features a methodology section to explain experimental protocols and “tips and tricks”. The editors draw on an international authorship and provide a handbook for the community. Written at an accessible level the book is suitable for both experts and non-experts alike.

Polymer-clay nanocomposites have flame-retardant, antimicrobial, anticorrosion and self-healing properties, they are biocompatible and environmentally benign. Multiple types of clay minerals may be exfoliated or individually dispersed and then used as natural nanoparticle additives of different size and shape for composite formation. Loading polymers with clays increases their strength, however, it is only recently that such composites were prepared with controlled nanoscale organization allowing for the enhancement of their mechanical properties and functionality. Edited by pioneers in the field, this book will explain the great potential of these materials and will bring together the combined physico-chemical, materials science and biological expertise to introduce the reader to the vibrant field of nanoclay materials. This book will provide an essential text for materials and polymers scientists in industry and academia.

The development of smart materials for environmental applications is a highly innovative and promising new approach to meet the increasing demands from society on water resources and pollution remediation. Smart materials with surfaces that can reversibly respond to stimuli from internal and external environments by changing their properties show great promise as solutions for global environmental issues. Many of these functional materials are inspired by biological systems, that use sophisticated material interfaces to display high levels of adaptability to their environment. Leading researchers present the latest information on the current and potential applications of omniphobic slippery coatings, responsive particle stabilized emulsions and self-healing surfaces among other functional materials. The book contains a section dedicated to water treatment and harvesting, describing and explaining strategies such as use of copolymer membranes and surfaces with patterned wettability. It provides a valuable source of information for environmental, materials, polymer and nano-scientists interested in environmental applications of functional material surfaces.

All aspects of the personal care industry will be comprehensively discussed in Polymers for Personal Care Products and Cosmetics, including biological targets, safety issues, and the legal and regulatory aspects of this large industry. There will be a broad overview of cosmetic ingredients, vehicles and finished products as well as coverage of the main methodologies for microbiology, safety and efficacy testing. The reader will be provided with a solid background of the fundamentals of the area, before being brought up to date on the future of this field, along with discussion of the latest materials trends and future perspectives. Written by a World renowned expert in the area, the book will provide a unique look into this fast developing industry from interviews carried out with key experts in industry and academia. The advantages and disadvantages of the technologies involved in the development of these materials will be highlighted, providing a balanced and thorough review of the current state-of-the-art research. This book will appeal to researchers, academics and students working in polymer and materials chemistry, particularly those with an interest in personal care products.

The objective of this book is to integrate information about the theory, preparation and applications of non-wettable surfaces in one volume. By combining the discussion of all three aspects together the editors will show how theory assists the development of preparations methods and how these surfaces can be applied to different situations. The book is separated into three sections, first covering the theory, then going on to preparation of these surfaces and finally discussing the applications in detail. Edited by two of the most innovative contributors to the field of superhydrophobicity, this book will be essential reading for materials scientists interested in any aspect of surface, colloid and polymer science, thermodynamics, superhydrophobic and superhygrophobic surfaces.

Supramolecular chemistry provides a versatile approach for modifying the structure and function of surfaces, including the formation of clusters, monolayers and films. This can be used in a variety of applications from porous surface systems, to modifiers of interface energy and sensor-based systems. Supramolecular Chemistry at Surfaces covers different methods of preparing and studying self-assembled structures at surfaces and interfaces. The book starts with a general introduction concerning the nature of surfaces followed by specific sections discussing different techniques to characterise surface-based supramolecular systems. Each chapter then goes on to address different surface systems including the surface of water; physisorbed layers at interfaces; chemisorbed layers at interfaces; polyelectrolyte systems; thin films; dynamic systems; and patterning. Written by a leading expert in the field, this is the first book to give a multidisciplinary view of the supramolecular aspects of interfaces providing the reader with an objective summary of all the deposition methods and their characterisation. The book will appeal to students and researchers in supramolecular chemistry, nanoscience, polymer chemistry and physics, surface science and materials science.

Polyrotaxane is a necklace-like supramolecule in which many cyclic molecules are threaded into a single polymer chain and can be cross-linked to produce functional polymeric materials. The resulting materials have movable cross-linking giving unique properties different from other polymer networks with fixed covalent bonds gaining much attention for new films, elastomers and coatings. Polyrotaxane and Slide-Ring Materials is the first book to cover the fundamentals and applications of these molecules and materials. After a general introduction, the first part of the book covers the thermodynamics of inclusion complex formation and sliding transition in polyrotaxane, followed by different synthesis techniques of polyrotaxane and slide-ring materials. The book then addresses different scattering methods for structural analysis followed by chapters on the electric and optical properties of polyrotaxane as well as the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of slide-ring materials. The final part of the book contains different chapters on their applications including gels elastomers and resins. Authored by the inventor of slide-ring materials, it will appeal to students, researchers, and engineers in supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry and polymer physics.

There is great interest in metallosupramolecular materials because of their use in magnetic, photonic and electronic materials. Functional Metallosupramolecular Materials focuses on the applications of these materials covering the chemistry underlying the synthesis of a variety of ligands to coordinate various metal ions and the generation of 2D and 3D materials based on these constructs. The book starts by looking at different metallosupramolecular systems including naturally occurring functional metallosupramolecular materials; DNA-based metallosupramolecular materials; metallopolymers; metallogels as well as functional materials based on MOFs. Subsequent chapters then systematically cover the different applications such as molecular computation, spin-crossover, light harvesting and as photocatalysts for the production of solar fuels. The book provides an overview of functional metallosupramolecular materials that will be of interest to graduate students, academics and industrial chemists interested in supramolecular chemistry, materials science and the materials applications.

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.

Information technology is essential to our daily life, and the limitations of silicone based memory systems mean a growing amount of research is focussed on finding an inexpensive alternative to meet our needs and allow the continued development of the industry. Inorganic silicone based technology is increasingly costly and complex and is physically limited by the problems of scaling down. Organic electrical memory devices are comparatively low cost, offer flexibility in terms of chemical structure, are compatible with flexible substrates and allow easy processing. For these reasons polymeric memory nanoscale materials are considered by many to be a potential substitute for conventional semiconductor memory systems. This edited book focusses solely on organic memory devices, providing a full background and overview of the area before bringing the reader up to date with the current and ongoing research in this area. The broad appeal of this book will be applicable to a wide range of researchers and those working in industry, in particular those working in materials, electrical and chemical engineering.

The unique physico-chemical properties of cationic polymers and their ability to be easily modified make them attractive for many biological applications. As a result there is a vast amount of research focussed on designing novel natural or synthetic cationic polymers with specific biological functionality. Cationic Polymers in Regenerative Medicine brings together the expertise of leading experts in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in cationic polymer synthesis, modification and the design of biomaterials with different structures for therapeutic applications. Chapters cover recent developments in novel cationic polymer based systems including poly(L-lysine), Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and cationic triazine dendrimers as well as cationic polymer-coated micro- and nanoparticles and cationic cellulose and chitin nanocrystals. Applications discussed in the book include drug and gene delivery, therapeutics in thrombosis and inflammation as well as gene therapy. Suitable both for an educational perspective for those new to the field and those already active in the field, the book appeals to postgraduates and researchers. The broad aspects of the topics covered are suitable for polymer chemists interested in the fundamentals of the materials systems as well as pharmaceutical chemists, bioengineering and medical professionals interested in their applications.

Glycopolymers are important for cell signalling, recognition pathways, and their role in the immune system. They are gaining attention for new applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Glycopolymer Code discusses the preparation, characterization and applications of glycopolymers providing a complete overview of the topic with examples from the latest research. Specific chapters cover both basic and advanced synthesis techniques to prepare glycopolymers, the analytical techniques used to investigate lectin receptor glycopolymer interactions, the properties and types of lectins that are widely used to understand the multivalent interactions and various applications of synthetic glycopolymers. With contributions from leading researchers in the field, the book is a unique source for graduates and academics new to the subject and already working in the area of glycopolymers.

The ability of nanostructures to organize into complex arrangements leads to unique materials with valuable applications. Self-assembly is therefore a key concept for nanotechnology, but it can be quite a complex and difficult subject to approach. Water Droplets to Nanotechnology gives a simple and general overview of the different self-assembly processes which are at the basis of recent developments in nanotechnology. The book shows how simple phenomenon from everyday examples can become sophisticated tools for self-assembly and the fabrication of nanomaterials. By exploring the coffee stain and tears of wine phenomena, the first part looks at how the evaporation of a droplet of colloidal solution can be used in designing organized structures. This leads onto more complex systems such as templated porous materials, photonic crystals, colloidal nanocrystals and quasi-crystals through to bottom-up systems for designing hierarchal materials. By taking the reader on a journey from everyday life to the secrets of nanotechnology, the book is suitable for a non-specialist audience interested in self-assembly as well as the wider perspectives and latest developments of nanoscience.

Smart materials stimulated by chemical or biological signals are of interest for their many applications including drug delivery, as well as in new sensors and actuators for environmental monitoring, process and food control, and medicine. In contrast to other books on responsive materials, this volume concentrates on materials which are stimulated by chemical or biological signals. Chemoresponsive Materials introduces the area with chapters covering different responsive material systems including hydrogels, organogels, membranes, thin layers, polymer brushes, chemomechanical and imprinted polymers, nanomaterials, silica particles, as well as carbohydrate- and bio-based systems. Many promising applications are highlighted, with an emphasis on drug delivery, sensors and actuators. With contributions from internationally known experts, the book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in academia, healthcare and industry interested in functional materials and their applications.

Polymer solar cells have gained much attention as they offer a potentially economic and viable way of commercially manufacturing lightweight, flexible and low-cost photovoltaics. With contributions from leading scientists, Polymer Photovoltaics provides an international perspective on the latest research for this rapidly expanding field. The book starts with an Introduction to polymer solar cells and covers several important topics that govern their photovoltaic properties including the chemistry and the design of new light harvesting and interfacial materials and their structure-property relationship; the physics for photocurrent generation in the polymer solar cells; new characterization tools to study morphology effect on the property of donor/acceptor bulk heterojunctions; new device concepts such as tandem cells and semi-transparent cells and advanced roll-to-roll processes for large-scale manufacturing of polymer solar cells. Written by active researchers, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in polymer solar cell technology for both researchers and students that are interested in this field.

There is much interest in using biological structures for the fabrication of new functional materials. Recent developments in the particle character and behaviour of proteins and viral particles have had a major impact on the development of novel nanoparticle systems with new functions and possibilities. Bio-Synthetic Hybrid Materials and Bionanoparticles approaches the subject by covering the basics of disciplines involved as well as recent advances in new materials. The first section of the book focusses on the design and synthesis of different bionanoparticles and hybrid structures including the use of genetic modification as well as by organic synthesis. The second section of the book looks at the self-assembling behaviour of bionanoparticles to form new materials. The final section looks at bionanoparticle-based functional systems and materials including chapters on biomedical applications and electronic systems and devices. Edited by leading scientists in bionanoparticles, the book is a collaboration between scientists with different backgrounds and perspectives which will initiate the next generation of bio-based structures, materials and devices.

Recent advances in technologies have created a need for sensing and measuring temperature at the nanoscale. This challenge requires new approaches and new techniques, since conventional thermometry is not valid at this scale. Thermometry at the Nanoscale covers the fundamentals of the subject, followed by individual chapters on luminescence-based and non-luminescence based thermometry techniques, and finally specific chapters on different applications of nanothermometry. The fundamental topics covered include a review of temperature measurement, the meaning of temperature on the nanoscale and heat propagation at the nanoscale. Luminescence-based techniques covered include quantum dots thermometry; lanthanide phosphors thermometry; organic dyes thermometry; polymer-based thermometry and organic-inorganic hybrids thermometry. Non-luminescence based thermometry techniques include scanning thermal microscopy; near-field thermometry and nanotubes thermometry. The range of applications of nanothermometry discussed includes thermometry inside a cell; microelectronics and micro/nanonofluidics. This is the first book to cover the whole subject of thermometry at the nanoscale with specialists in each particular technique discussing in detail the recent achievements and limitations as well as future trends and technological possibilities. The book will appeal to researchers from materials science, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and biological sciences working on the development of new materials, materials characterisation/analysis and their applications.

For years, concepts and models relevant to the fields of molecular electronics and organic electronics have been invented in parallel, slowing down progress in the field. This book illustrates how synthetic chemists, materials scientists, physicists, and device engineers can work together to reach their desired, shared goals, and provides the knowledge and intellectual basis for this venture. Supramolecular Materials for Opto-Electronics covers the basic principles of building supramolecular organic systems that fulfil the requirements of the targeted opto-electronic function; specific material properties based on the fundamental synthesis and assembly processes; and provides an overview of the current uses of supramolecular materials in opto-electronic devices. To conclude, a “what's next” section provides an outlook on the future of the field, outlining the ways overarching work between research disciplines can be utilised. Postgraduate researchers and academics will appreciate the fundamental insight into concepts and practices of supramolecular systems for opto-electronic device integration.

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.

Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources are sought after for many purposes, from packaging materials in food to biomedical applications. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a well-known biopolymer derived from corn starch or sugar cane used in different food packaging and artificial bones and scaffolds. Poly(lactic acid) Science and Technology first introduces the basic concepts of PLA and then covers PLA synthesis and polymerization, processing, characterization and physical properties of PLA, PLA-based nano-biocomposites, the main applications in active packaging and as biomaterials for tissue engineering, degradation and biodegradation of PLA and finally industrial and legislative issues. This interdisciplinary approach provides readers with a general overview of all relevant aspects related to PLA including fundamental issues, innovative applications, new types of processing and emerging applications, modification of PLA, life cycle assessment, bio-additives, bio/degradation and sustainability and international regulations. Experts provide a complete resource and whole perspective on PLA covering scientific, ecological, social and economic issues. The book will appeal to chemists, food technologists and materials engineers as well as researchers interested in bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites.