Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering

This book is a practical, user-friendly reference for plastics engineers working with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics addressing topics that are required for the successful development of cohesive bioplastic products.

While there has been considerable demand for the use of bioplastics in industry, and there are many different types of bioplastic currently available, processing these bioplastics is a big challenge. The book provides plastics engineers and researchers with a fundamental, practical understanding of the differences between bioplastics and biodegradable polymers and guidance on the different methods used to process bioplastics.

The book also covers additives and modifiers for biopolymers and their effect on properties. Examples are included of commercial applications of bioplastics, as well as new bioplastics being developed and future trends in the industry.

This enables engineers, researchers, technicians and students to understand the decisive relationship between different processing techniques, morphology, mechanical properties and applications of bio-based polymers, and thus design better products. The book presents a true engineering approach for the industry on the processing of biopolymers and biodegradable plastics – discussing the ease of use of the polymer, mechanical and thermal properties, rate of biodegradation in particular environments, and pros and cons of particular bioplastics.