The Handbook of Natural Polymers: Sources, Synthesis, and Characterization is a comprehensive resource covering extraction and processing methods for polymers from natural sources, with an emphasis on the latest advances.
The book begins by introducing the current state-of-the-art, challenges, and opportunities in natural polymers. This is followed by detailed coverage of extraction, synthesis, and characterization methods, organized by polymer type. Along with broad chapters discussing approaches to polysaccharide-based polymers, dedicated chapters offer in-depth information on nanocellulose, chitin and chitosan, gluten, alginate, natural rubber, gelatin, pectin, lignin, keratin, gutta percha, shellac, silk, wood, casein, albumin, collagen, hemicellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, zein, soya protein, and gum. The final chapters explore other key themes, including filler interactions and properties in natural polymer-based composites, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, biodegradability, life cycle, and recycling. Throughout the book, information is supported by data, and guidance is offered regarding potential scale-up and industry factors.
As part of a 3-volume handbook offering comprehensive coverage of natural polymers, this book will be of interest to all those looking to gain a broad knowledge of natural polymers, including academic researchers, scientists, advanced students, engineers, and R&D professionals from a range of disciplines and industries.
Goda, Koichi: - "Prof. Koichi Goda is Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Full Professor, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at Yamaguchi University, Japan. Prof. Goda has significant experience in areas including biopolymers, composite materials, reliability, and nanotechnology, with recent research focusing on green composites. He has received numerous awards for his work in including most recently the Meritorious Contribution Award from JCOM (Committee on Composite Materials of JSMS - The Society of Materials Science, Japan) in 2018, and the JSMS Award for Distinguished Service to Chugoku Branch in 2020."
Ravindran, Lakshmipriya: - Dr. Lakshmipriya Ravindran is a Assistant Professor at the School of Energy Materials, at the Mahatma Gandhi University in India. She has published a good number of scientific articles in the high-impact factor international journals and one of her articles is indexed as "Top Downloaded Article" of the year.
Sreekala, M. S.: - Dr. M. S. Sreekala is a Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Sciences. She is also serving as the Director of the School of Polymer Science and Technology and Joint Director of the School of Nanoscience and Technology and International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala, India.
Thomas, Sabu: -
Prof. Sabu Thomas is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Director of the School of Energy Materials at Mahatma Gandhi University, India. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Trivandrum Engineering Science & Technology Research Park (TrEST Research Park) in Thiruvananthapuram, India. He is the founder director of the International and Inter-university Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University and the former Vice-Chancellor of the same institution.
Prof. Thomas is internationally recognized for his contributions to polymer science and engineering, with his research interests encompassing polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites, nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. His groundbreaking inventions in polymer nanocomposites, polymer blends, green bionanotechnology, and nano-biomedical sciences have significantly advanced the development of new materials for the automotive, space, housing, and biomedical fields. Dr. Thomas has been conferred with Honoris Causa (DSc) by the University of South Brittany, France.
