Bio-Based Polymers and Composites: Properties, Durability, and Applications

When applying human ingenuity and experience to natural resources and processes, scientists and researchers can maximize the potential of nature for human benefit. In that vein, this book explores the latest breakthroughs in natural biopolymers, green composites, and green nanocomposites, a field that is rapidly expanding. The volume looks at bio-based polymers and composites for environmental sustainability, such as in bioremediation and for wastewater treatment. It discusses natural polymers from waste products and considers the use of bio-based polymers and composites in fertilization in horticulture as well as in industry and construction, such as for recycling of concrete, for gas sensing applications for safety, for fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, etc.

Amadou Belal Gueye, is a Research Scholar at the School of Chemical Sciences at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. He received his bachelor’s degree in Physics-Chemistry and master’s degree in Physical Chemistry Applied to Energy and Analysis from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal. He works in the field of energy storage.

Sabu Thomas, PhD, is Chairman of Trivandrum Engineering Science & Technology Research Park, Kerala, India. During his time at Mahatma Gandhi University, he was Vice Chancellor, Professor, Director of the School of Energy Materials, Director of the School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Director of the International and Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, etc. Prof. Thomas is a prolific author, editor, speaker, and an outstanding leader with sustained international acclaim for his work in nanoscience, polymer science and engineering, polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology.

Nandakumar Kalarikkal, PhD, is the Director of School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, India, where he is the Chair of the School of Pure and Applied Physics. With over 390 publications to his credit, he is the recipient of research fellowships and associateships from prestigious government organizations such as the Department of Science and Technology and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of Government of India. He has active collaborations with national and international scientific institutions in India, South Africa, Slovenia, Canada, France, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, and US.

Modou Fall, PhD, is the Director of the Doctoral School of Physics, Chemistry, Sciences of the Earth, of the Universe and Engineering at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal. His main research interests include the synthesis, characterization, and applications of conducting polymer, energy storage and conversion; corrosion studies; and electroanalysis of hazardous compounds. Prof. Fall is the Secretary General of the Senegalese Committee for Chemistry and is a titular member of the IUPAC Division of Physical and Biophysical Chemistry.