Natural Fibers, Plastics and Composites

Deals with plant and animal derived natural fibers, natural composite matrix materials and biocomposites. This book reviews the sources, structures, properties and applications of the materials. It aims to support research, assist scientists and designers in industry, and facilitate materials science instruction in universities and colleges.

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2. NANOPARTICLES IN A POLYMERIC MATRIX 346 2. 1 Classical Methods to Prepare Nanocomposites 348 2. 2 Other Methods to Prepare Nanocomposite Materials 350 3. NANOCOMPOSITES WITH NATURAL POLYMERS 351 3. 1 Materials and Processes 352 3. 2 Nanocomposites for Bioplastic Applications 353 3. 2. 1 Clay Modification 354 3. 2. 2 Processing 354 3. 2. 3 Analysis 355 3. 2. 4 Manufacturing and Properties of Thin Films 355 3. 2. 5 Conclusions 357 4. BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS 358 4. 1 Chitosan as a Matrix for Biomedical Applications 358 4. 2 Chitosan-Clay Nanocomposites 359 4. 3 Nanocomposites Based on Hydroxyapatite 360 5. SUMMARY 362 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 363 REFERENCES 363 Index 365 Contributing Authors Author Affiliation Chapter P. Aldred Christian Doppler Laboratory, Dornbirn, Austria 9 A. Bockarie PhiladelphiaUniversity, School of Science & Health 5 T. Bunik Philadelphia University, School of Science & Health 5 S. 1. Eichhorn 16 Univ. of Manchester, Manchester Materials Sci. Ctr. D. Eichinger Lenzing AG, Austria, Marketing Department 9 E. Evazynajad PhiladelphiaUniv. , School of Textiles & Mater. Tech. 5 S. Fischer Eindhoven Univ. of Technology, TNO Industrial Tech. 19 H.
Firgo Lenzing AG, Research & Development Department 9 E. FroIIini Univ. ofSiio Paulo, Chemical Institure of Sao Carlos 12 T. Fujii Doshisha University, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering 17 B. R. George Philadelphia Univ. , School of Textiles& Mater. Tech. 5 A. Guo Pittsburg State Univ. , Kansas Polymer Research Ctr. 11 S. lavasundera U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Res.