Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites

The only source available today that focuses on biobased materials, this book discusses the combination of fibers with polymer matrices from both non-renewable and renewable resources. It explains the rise of petrochemical and plastic products, the problems associated in their disposal, and how biopolymers offer a realistic solution to these problems. The authors discuss recent trends and opportunities for the future use of biocomposites as alternatives to petroleum-based composites, integrating the principles of sustainability, industrial ecology, eco-efficiency, and green chemistry and engineering into the development of the next generation of materials, products, and processes.