The increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials and the need for cheaper fibres points the search in the direction of natural products such as bark, leaves, scales or shells. The aim of this book is to provide a forum to review the recent advances in the area of plant and animal-based composites and identify possible trends for further developments.

Polymer Composites Derived from Animal Sources presents a systematic review of recent developments in this important research field. The book provides a thorough introduction to the various types of animal-based material resources currently available, and discusses their morphology, extraction process, sustainability, formation, properties, and applications. Emphasis is placed on applications of polymer composites derived from wool, silk, chicken, bovine, marine life, and animal waste. Different types of processing techniques are discussed in detail as well as chemical modification, interfacial adhesion, and the structure-property relationship. The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, and materials scientists and engineers working on the research and development of natural-based composites derived from animal sources. - Provides a comprehensive reference on the preparation and applications of high-performance polymer composites derived from animal sources - Covers materials selection, design solutions, manufacturing techniques, characterization, structural analysis, and performance for various applications - Includes extraction methods, surface treatment, and modification and fabrication methods - Focuses on economic and environmental aspects

This book presents the application of Polymer-Silica Based Composites in the Construction Industry providing the fundamental framework and knowledge needed for the sustainable and efficient use of these composites as building and structural materials. It also includes characterization of prepared materials to ascertain mechanical, chemical, and physical properties and analyses results obtained using similar methods. Topics such as life cycle analysis of plastics, application of plastics in construction and elimination of plastic wastes are also discussed. The book also provides information on the outlook and competitiveness of emerging composites materials. Covers theory, preparation and characterizations of polymer-silica based composites for green construction. Discusses technology, reliability, manufacturing cost and environmental impact. Reviews the classification, application, and processing of polymer-silica composites. Gives a deeper analysis on the various tests carried out on polymer-silica composite. Highlights role of such composites in the Industry 4.0 and emerging technologies. This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in civil engineering, built environment, construction materials, and materials science.

The sustainability of any process lies in the eco-friendly and economical production of products for applications. Bio-based materials are emerging as raw materials for different products and applications. The book covers cellulose, chitosan, silk, collagen and gelatin bio-based materials. It describes their use in biomedical applications, such as orthopaedic implant, drug delivery, tissue culture, biosensor and engineering applications such as fuel cells, energy storage and packaging. It concludes with the use of bio-based materials as precursors for biorefinery, biolubricants, membranes and adsorbents.

The book provides accessible and comprehensive information on polymer matrix composites. It presents the basic concept of design of composite materials. It includes chapters on materials testing and characterization, such as mechanical testing and thermal analysis, and lifetime prediction. It discusses both structural and functional applications. Offers comprehensive information on processing, properties and applications polymer matrix composites Presents and reviews the recent development in the field e.g. damage tolerant composites, biocomposites, additive manufacturing Includes latest techniques of performance evaluation and life time assessment of composite materials

Sustainable Polylactide-Based Composites integrates fundamental knowledge pertaining to manufacturing and characterization of polymer composites with a thorough and critical overview of the state-of-the-art in PLA-based composites, including significant past and recent advances. The book begins with insights into the basics of polymer composites, with special reference to sustainable composites, as well as fundamental knowledge related to PLA. This is followed by chapters on manufacturing methods, morphological characterization techniques, and the mechanical models used for polymer composites. A comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in PLA-based sustainable composites of all extensively used fillers is then presented. After providing fundamental knowledge related to PLA and polymer composites, including structure-property-processing relationship, the book focuses on recent research efforts and key research challenges in the development of PLA-based composites, as well as lifecycle assessment and recycling. - Presents fundamentals, processing techniques, characterization methods, and modeling - Offers comprehensive coverage of a broad range of polylactide composites - Addresses key issues that could shape future research and industrial application for sustainable future development

State-of-the-art overview on bioepoxy polymers as well as their blends and composites -- covering all aspects from fundamentals to applications! Bioepoxy polymers is an emerging area and have attracted more and more attention due to their biodegradability and good thermo-mechanical performance. In recent years, research progress has been made in synthesis, processing, characterization, and applications of bioepoxy blends and composites. Bioepoxy polymers are very promising candidates to replace the traditional thermosetting nonbiodegradable polymers. Bio-Based Epoxy Polymers, Blends and Composites summaries recent research progress on bioepoxy polymers as well as their blends and composites. It covers aspects from synthesis, processing, various characterization techniques to broad spectrum of applications. It provides a correlation of physical properties with macro, micro and nanostructures of the materials. Moreover, research trends, future directions, and opportunities are also discussed. Attracts attention: Bioepoxy polymers are environmentally friendly and considered as a promising candidate to replace the traditional thermosetting nonbiodegradable polymers Highly application-oriented: Bioepoxy polymers can be used in a broad range of applications such as polymer foams, construction, aerospace, automobiles, self-healing systems One-stop reference: Covers all aspects of bioepoxy polymer, their blends and composites, such as synthesis, properties, processing, characterization and applications Broad audience: Attracts attention from both academia and industry

Lignocellulosic Fibre and Biomass-Based Composite Materials reviews the development, characterization and applications of composite materials developed from the effective use of lignocellulosic fibre and biomass. The book gathers together a wide spectrum of cutting-edge research on biomass fillers and reinforcements used for the fabrication and synthesis of composites. The book takes a systematic approach, investigating processing, design, characterization and applications of biocomposites, in order to establish their important relationship as a general guideline for end-user applications. Beginning with an introduction to biomass and its composites, a team of leading experts in the field cover rice husk, kenaf, oil palm, alfa and doum fibres, bamboo, cork, and many other materials, considering a range of applications, along with key issues such as performance and sustainability. The groundbreaking research presented opens the door to obtaining advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. This will be become an extremely useful reference and technical guide for academic and industrial researchers in composite materials, as well as for advanced students and industrialists working in material commercialization. - Gathers together a wide spectrum of research on lignocellulosic fiber and biomass fillers and reinforcements used for the fabrication and synthesis of composites - Presents multidisciplinary work in relation to materials engineering, polymer chemistry and physics, materials processing, organic synthesis and industrial design and applications - Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from processing, design, characterization and applications of biocomposites

Comprehensive introduction to composites from natural and recycled biomaterialsCovers fabrication, mechanical analysis and modeling of green compositesNew ideas for cost-effective alternative matrices, fibers and additivesApplications to construction, automotive, and civil engineering An important contribution to the evolution of composites technology, this book is a systematic investigation of how natural biomaterials are used to create cost-effective and environmentally sound composites for commercial use. The book shows how a wide range of plant- and animal-based materials are integrated into the design and fabrication of matrices and reinforcements for polymeric and other types of composites. In addition, a focus is placed on modeling and mechanical analyses of biobased composites, providing valuable data on their performance. Sustainable composites are shown to be viable alternatives for manufactured components in automotive, civil engineering and construction applications.