Biodegradable Polymers : Concepts and Applications

Basic concepts on biodegradable biopolymer science are presented in this book, as well as techniques, analyses, standards, and essential criteria for the characterization of biodegradable materials obtained from biopolymers. The development and innovation of products and processes considering the environment are highlighted in this book. All of the applications described have been discussed from the point of view of sustainability. Additionally, this book highlights that biodegradability is a great burden when trying to replace, modify, and/or design existing products, and processes that are highly polluting. Finally, the present book concludes with reflections on the development of biopolymers in different areas, and some of their consequences depending on their biodegradability. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Preface Table of Contents Introduction 1. Biodegradation of Polymers 2. Use of Renewable Source in Biodegradable Polymer 3. Plastics Technology 4. Analysis and Testing of Biopolymers 5. Structure and Morphology of Biodegradable Polymers 6. Rheology Properties of Biodegradable Polymers 7. Structural Analysis of Polymers and Composite Materials 8. Films 9. Composites and Novel Applications in the Biomedical Field 10. Green Materials in the Packaging: Biodegradable Foams 11. Biodegradable Foams: Processes and Applications 12. Thermo-Shrinkable Biodegradable Polymers 13. Applications of Biodegradable Polymers in Food Industry 14. Health Applications of Biodegradable Polymers 15. Natural Polymers: Applications in the Health Field 16. Bioplastics: Challenges and Opportunities 17. Tendencies and Applications in Biodegradable Polymers 18. Tendencies in Development of Biodegradable Polymers 19. Assessment of Biodegradability in Polymers: Mechanisms and Analytical Methods 20. Biodegradable Packaging: Colombian Coffee Industry 21. Agriculture Applications of Biodegradable Polymers 22. Insight on Polymeric Hydrogel Networks: A Sustainable Tool for the Isolation of Enzymes and Bioremediation Index Editors Biography