Tao of Statistics

Biopolymers and biodegradable plastics are finding new applications in various sectors, from packaging, to medical, automotive and many more. As synthetic plastics are increasingly replaced by their bioplastic equivalents, engineers are facing new challenges including processing, costs, environmental sustainability and – ultimately – developing successful products.

This is the first book to give a detailed insight into all aspects of processing, seamlessly linking the science of biopolymers to the latest trends in the development of new products. Processes covered in the book include blending, compounding, treatment, and shaping, as well as the formation of biocomposites. Biopolymer coatings and adhesives are also investigated. This coverage of processing will help engineers and researchers to improve output and efficiency of every stage of the product development process.

The book also uses recent patent information to illustrate the latest applications and techniques in this area, as the rapid pace of development makes intellectual property a key concern for companies working on new and innovative products.

Detailed coverage of current market applications of biopolymers – characterized by biodegradability and sustainability – is also provided, including tables with commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family to assist in material selection. This is augmented by a detailed discussion on the economics of biopolymers.

•Assists designers and engineers in selecting the right biopolymer and processing technique for any given application, covering medical, automotive, food packaging and more •Helps engineers to improve existing biopolymer processes to deliver better products at lower cost •Discusses the latest trends and applications in this highly innovative area, giving the reader a head-start on the competition