This new book offers research and updates on the chemical process in liquid and solid phases. The collection of topics in this book reflect the diversity of recent advances in chemical processes with a broad perspective that will be useful to scientists as well as graduate students and engineers. The book will help to fill the gap between theory and practice in industry.

With contributions from top nanoscientists, this book offers a global perspective on the latest developments in nanotechnology. It covers the major themes of nanoscience and nanotechnology, addressing many of the major issues, from concept to technology to implementation. It is an important reference publication that provides new research and updates on a variety of nanoscience uses through case studies and supporting technologies, and it also explains the conceptual thinking behind current uses and potential uses not yet implemented. International experts with countless years of experience lend this volume credibility.

With contributions from top nanoscientists, this book offers a global perspective on the latest developments in nanotechnology. It covers the major themes of nanoscience and nanotechnology, addressing many of the major issues, from concept to technology to implementation. It is an important reference publication that provides new research and updates on a variety of nanoscience uses through case studies and supporting technologies, and it also explains the conceptual thinking behind current uses and potential uses not yet implemented. International experts with countless years of experience lend this volume credibility.

Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources are sought after for many purposes, from packaging materials in food to biomedical applications. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a well-known biopolymer derived from corn starch or sugar cane used in different food packaging and artificial bones and scaffolds. Poly(lactic acid) Science and Technology first introduces the basic concepts of PLA and then covers PLA synthesis and polymerization, processing, characterization and physical properties of PLA, PLA-based nano-biocomposites, the main applications in active packaging and as biomaterials for tissue engineering, degradation and biodegradation of PLA and finally industrial and legislative issues. This interdisciplinary approach provides readers with a general overview of all relevant aspects related to PLA including fundamental issues, innovative applications, new types of processing and emerging applications, modification of PLA, life cycle assessment, bio-additives, bio/degradation and sustainability and international regulations. Experts provide a complete resource and whole perspective on PLA covering scientific, ecological, social and economic issues. The book will appeal to chemists, food technologists and materials engineers as well as researchers interested in bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites.

Mankind currently produces polymers in amounts similar to cast iron, steel, and colour metals all together if calculating production of polymers not by weight, but by volume. One can say, that mankind currently lives in a Polymer Age. Special emphasis should be given to biopolymers since they can offer properties similar to those of oil-based polymers with the added value of their extraordinary ability to be introduced in biological cycles with production of new raw materials for new polymers. This book presents current research in the area of bio-based polymers and sustainable composites.

The words presented in the epigraph are particularly true today. This slogan is sensible for us to do so in science, in particular in the area of New Materials and applications of biomaterials for common uses. We, the editors of this volume, have carried out a selection and seemingly have chosen enough of good reviews and unique works in the branch of biodegradable polymers and sustainable composites. These works were presented during the 1st International Conference on Biodegradable Polymers and Sustainable Composites held in Alicante (October 2007).The use of conventional polymeric packaging materials obtained from non-renewable sources represents an important environmental impact and waste generation after their use. Biopolymers have received an increased interest lately due to more environmentally aware consumers, increased price of crude oil and global warming. These polymers are naturally occurring polymers that are found in all living organisms and they fulfil all the environmental concerns (renewable raw materials and relatively good biodegradability). As a result their use will have a less negative effect on our environment compared to petroleum based materials, but they show some limitations in terms of performance (thermal resistance, barrier and mechanical properties) as well as associated costs. Apparently, these works are at the front edge of science and will be of interest for high readership of scientists and students in the branch of chemistry and physics of polymers and composites.

The use of conventional polymeric packaging materials obtained from non-renewable sources represents an important environmental impact and waste generation after their use. Biopolymers have received an increased interest lately due to more environmentally aware consumers, increased price of crude oil and global warming. These polymers are naturally occurring polymers that are found in all living organisms and they fulfil all the environmental concerns (renewable raw materials and relatively good biodegradability). As a result their use will have a less negative effect on our environment compared to petroleum based materials, but they show some limitations in terms of performance (thermal resistance, barrier and mechanical properties) as well as associated costs.

Trends In Polymer Research

The use of conventional polymeric packaging materials obtained from non-renewable sources represents an important environmental impact and waste generation after their use. Biopolymers have received an increased interest lately due to more environmentally aware consumers, increased price of crude oil and global warming. These polymers are naturally occurring polymers that are found in all living organisms and they fulfil all the environmental concerns (renewable raw materials and relatively good biodegradability). As a result their use will have a less negative effect on our environment compared to petroleum based materials, but they show some limitations in terms of performance (thermal resistance, barrier and mechanical properties) as well as associated costs.

This new book offers research and updates on the chemical process in liquid and solid phases. The collection of topics in this book reflect the diversity of recent advances in chemical processes with a broad perspective that will be useful to scientists as well as graduate students and engineers. The book will help to fill the gap between theory and practice in industry.