Biopolymers from Renewable Resources is a compilation of information on
the diverse and useful polymers derived from agricultural, animal, and
microbial sources. The volume provides insight into the diversity of
polymers obtained directly from, or derived from, renewable resources.
The beneficial aspects of utilizing polymers from renewable resources,
when considering synthesis, pro- cessing, disposal, biodegradability,
and overall material life-cycle issues, suggests that this will continue
to be an important and growing area of interest. The individual chapters
provide information on synthesis, processing and properties for a
variety of polyamides, polysaccharides, polyesters and polyphenols. The
reader will have a single volume that provides a resource from which to
gain initial insights into this diverse field and from which key
references and contacts can be drawn. Aspects of biology, biotechnology,
polymer synthesis, polymer processing and engineering, mechanical
properties and biophysics are addressed to varying degrees for the
specific biopolymers. The volume can be used as a reference book or as a
teaching text. At the more practical level, the range of important
materials derived from renewable resources is both extensive and
impressive. Gels, additives, fibers, coatings and films are generated
from a variety of the biopolymers reviewed in this volume. These
polymers are used in commodity materials in our everyday lives, as well
as in specialty products.
