Many years of cumulative research has been conducted on the usage of fiber-reinforced composites for biomedical application, but no one source exists where this topic is dealt with systematically. This book addresses polymer composites applied to bioengineering in a comprehensive manner.For potential applications to be successful, full advantage must be taken of the materials properties and the manufacturing techniques to meet the needs of biomedical application. This book focuses on fiber-based composites applied to bioengineering. It addresses three main areas. First, it presents a comprehensive survey of biocomposites from the existing literature in various medical applications, paying particular attention to hard-tissue-related implants. Second, mechanical designs and manufacturing aspects of various fibrous polymer matrix composites are described. The third area concerns examples of the design and development of several medical devices and implants using polymer composites.Chapter 1: Introduction (288 KB)

Environmentally friendly sustainable biocomposites are obtained by using reinforcing agents including natural fibers, particulates, nanomaterials, and polymer matrices, where one of these components is bio-based. Advances in Biocomposites and their Applications presents a detailed review of the latest progress in this important research field. The book begins with a brief introduction to the various types of reinforcing agents that are used for fabricating biocomposites. Processing and fabrication methods are then discussed in detail as well as their important mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological properties. The book then goes on to discuss various mechanisms that can be used to improve these properties as well as various fields of application, including those in automotive, aerospace, marine, building materials, biomaterials, electrical, and electronic engineering sectors. The economic impact, safety, toxicity, and future directions for these materials are also discussed in detail. The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and engineers, and all those working in the fields of polymer science, composite materials, and biocomposites. - Presents the latest progress in biocomposites, their fabrication, properties, and applications - Includes naturally obtained and bio-derived, renewable resource-based polymers, and reinforcing agents - Discusses several major natural fiber-based composite materials - Covers aerospace, automobile, packaging, and other lightweight applications

Biocomposites, formed by a matrix and a reinforcement of natural fibers, often mimic the structure of living materials and offer the strength of the matrix as well as biocompatibility. Being renewable, cheap, recyclable, and biodegradable, they have witnessed rapidly growing interest in terms of industrial and fundamental applications. This book focuses on fiber-based composites applied to biomedical and environmental applications. It presents a comprehensive survey of biocomposites from the existing literature, paying particular attention to various biomedical and environmental applications. The text describes mechanical designs and manufacturing aspects of various fibrous polymer matrix composites and presents examples of the synthesis and development of bionanocomposites and their applications. The book is the first of its kind to present all these topics together unlike most other books on nano-/biocomposites that are generally limited to their fundamentals, different methods of synthesis, and applications.

Environmental Silicate Nano-Biocomposites focuses on nano-biocomposites, which are obtained by the association of silicates such as bioclays with biopolymers. By highlighting recent developments and findings, green and biodegradable nano-composites from both renewable and biodegradable polymers are explored. This includes coverage of potential markets such as packaging, agricultures, leisure and the fast food industry. The knowledge and experience of more than twenty international experts in diverse fields, from chemical and biochemical engineering to applications, is brought together in four different sections covering: Biodegradable polymers and Silicates, Clay/Polyesters Nano-biocomposites, Clay/Agropolymers Nano-biocomposites, and Applications and biodegradation of Nano-biocomposites. By exploring the relationships between the biopolymer structures, the processes, and the final properties Environmental Silicate Nano-Biocomposites explains how to design nano-materials to develop new, valuable, environmentally friendly properties and uses. The combination of fundamental and applied science makes this an ideal reference for a range of readers from students and lecturers to material and polymer scientists and even industrial engineers who are interested in bringing new environmental nano-materials to the current market.

Nanocarbon polymer biocomposites have gained increased attention from both researchers and manufacturers due to the significant improvement in their physico-mechanical, thermal and barrier properties when compared to conventional materials. Their dimensions, biodegradable character, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability are among the main drivers for increasing demand. However, it is difficult to achieve uniform dispersion between the carbon filler and matrix as it easily forms agglomerations. Production of nanocarbon polymer biocomposites with high mechanical and thermal properties is also limited, but there has been rapid progress in processing possibilities to produce nanocomposites based on various biodegradable fillers. Advanced Nanocarbon Polymer Biocomposites: Sustainability Towards Zero Biowaste collects all these novel scientific findings in one place. It discusses in detail their physical, chemical, and electrical properties and presents the latest research findings on nanocarbon polymer biocomposites with filler loadings and their improvement on compatibility. The book will be of great interest for those researchers who are concerned with the production and use of nanocarbon polymer biocomposites as a new innovative advanced material. - Emphasis on nanoscale fillers and their improvement on compatibility - Evaluates the impact of polymer production through life cycle analysis of both single and hybrid polymers and nanocomposites - A strong focus on sustainability and green chemistry perspectives

Value-Added Biocomposites: Technology, Innovation, and Opportunity explores advances in research, processing, manufacturing, and novel applications of biocomposites. It describes the current market situation, commercial competition, and societal and economic impacts and advantages of substituting biocomposites for conventional composites, including natural fibers and bioplastics. FEATURES Discusses manufacturing and processing procedures that focus on improving physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, and biological properties and achieving required specifications of downstream industries and customers Analyzes the wide range of available base materials and fillers of biocomposites and bioplastics in terms of the strength and weaknesses of materials and economic potential in the market Displays special and unique properties of biocomposites in different market sectors Showcases the insight of expert scientists and engineers with first-hand experience working with biocomposites across various industries Covers environmental factors, life cycle assessment, and waste recovery Combining technical, economic, and environmental topics, this work provides researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals a holistic overview of the value that biocomposites add across a variety of engineering applications and how to balance research and development with practical results.

Recycled plastic biocomposites have attracted widespread attention from both researchers and manufacturers due to the significant improvements in their physico-mechanical, thermal, rheological, and barrier properties when compared to conventional materials, as well as their potential regarding commercialization and zero waste. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites presents the latest information on recycled polymers, textiles, pulp and paper, wood plastic, rubber waste plastic, and micro and nano effects of recycled plastic waste resources that have great potential as reinforcement materials in composites because they are non-toxic, inexpensive, biodegradable, cost-effective, and available in large amounts. Recycled plastic biocomposites are now starting to be deployed in a broad range of materials applications due to their advantages over petroleum-based materials. Currently, there are no limits to the possibility of their applications. They also have exceptional sustainable and biodegradable properties when compared to conventional materials such as polymers and composites. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites reviews the latest research advances on recycled plastic-based biocomposites, including thermoplastic, thermoset, rubber, and foams. In addition, the book covers critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that discusses its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material. The huge potential applications of recycled plastic in industry are also explored in detail with respect to low cost, recyclable and biodegradable properties, and the way they can be applied to the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. The life cycles of both single and hybrid recycled plastic-based polymer composites and biocomposites are also discussed in detail. From the viewpoint of recycled plastic-based polymer composites, the book covers not only the well-known role of recycled polymers and composites, but also advanced materials produced from micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that achieve better physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. This book will be an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and those working in polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing, and biocomposites. - Places an emphasis on micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that significantly improve properties. - Discusses the most suitable fabrication methods, properties, and applications. - Features critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that reviews its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material.

Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications The 2nd edition of this successful Handbook explores the extensive and growing applications made with bioplastics and biocomposites for the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Bioplastics are materials that are being researched as a possible replacement for petroleum-based traditional plastics to make them more environmentally friendly. They are made from renewable resources and may be naturally recycled through biological processes, conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. The 30 chapters in the Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications discuss a wide range of technologies and classifications concerned with bioplastics and biocomposites with their applications in various paradigms including the engineering segment. Chapters cover the biobased materials; recycling of bioplastics; biocomposites modeling; various biomedical and engineering-based applications including optical devices, smart materials, cosmetics, drug delivery, clinical, electrochemical, industrial, flame retardant, sports, packaging, disposables, and biomass. The different approaches to sustainability are also treated. Audience The Handbook will be of central interest to engineers, scientists, and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics, biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great importance to engineers in many industries including automotive, biomedical, construction, and food packaging.

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 processin

Plant Tuber and Root-based Biocomposites: Development, Characterization, and Applications discusses the latest advances in this important research field. The book details novel tuber and root-based materials individually and covers their manufacturing, characterization, and applications. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental properties of these materials to address challenges and opportunities for industrial commercialization in the future. Various applications in food, medicine, textiles, biofuel, pulp, and paper-making industries, as well as bioenergy, packaging, and automotive, are covered. - Covers the latest advances in the application of bio-based feedstocks (tubers/root fibers) for manufacturing composites - Includes materials selection, design solutions, manufacturing techniques, structural analysis, and performance of tuber and root-based composites in various applications - Explores new materials such as Dioscorea hispida, arrowroot bagasse, and cassava bagasse - Covers step-by-step procedures to develop biodegradable packaging materials such as extraction of raw materials, treatment of materials, and incorporation of additives to improve the functional properties of developed products - Includes nanobiocomposites, covers commercialization, and is a practical guide to realistic applications