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Agricultural and synthetic polymers : biodegradability and utilization

This timely book presents an unbiased review of biodegradable synthetic polymers and polymers from renewable resources. It examines the state-of-the-art in commodity plastics degradation and disposal, and the greater utilization of agricultural polymers in industrial applications. Biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation are addressed and various uses for agricultural polymers are explored, including synthesis of rubber from guayule rubber; modification of lignocellulosic fibers to produce high performance composites; modification of cellulose as liquid crystals; and specialty starches for use in the paper industry.

Online ACS Publications

Handbook of polymer applications in medicine and medical devices [electronic resource]

While the prevalence of plastics and elastomers in medical devices is now quite well known, there is less information available covering the use of medical devices and the applications of polymers beyond medical devices, such as in hydrogels, biopolymers and silicones beyond enhancement applications, and few books in which these are combined into a single reference. This book is a comprehensive reference source, bringing together a number of key medical polymer topics in one place for a broad audience of engineers and scientists, especially those currently developing new medical devices.While the prevalence of plastics and elastomers in medical devices is now quite well known, there is less information available covering the use of medical devices and the applications of polymers beyond medical devices, such as in hydrogels, biopolymers and silicones beyond enhancement applications, and few books in which these are combined into a single reference. This book is a comprehensive reference source, bringing together a number of key medical polymer topics in one place for a broad audience of engineers and scientists, especially those currently developing new medical devices or seeking more information about current and future applications. In addition to a broad range of applications, the book also covers clinical outcomes and complications arising from the use of the polymers in the body, giving engineers a vital insight into the real world implications of the devices they're creating. Regulatory issues are also covered in detail. The book also presents the latest developments on the use of polymers in medicine and development of nano-scale devices.

Online ScienceDirect

Degradable polymers : principles and applications

The emphasis in degradable polymers has changed since the first edition of this book. Biomedical and agricultural applications remain important topics of scientific and commercial interest in the second edition. However, an increased emphasis on composting as a means of recovering value from wastes has led to a new impetus to understand how plastics degrade in the environment and the implication of this for international standards. Polymers based on renewable resources are also a major topic in this edition but the debate continues about their long-term sustainability and ecological advantages over degradable man-made polymers. "Degradable Polymers" will be of interest not only to academic and industrial scientists working on packaging, agricultural and medical applications of plastics but also to students of environmental science and legislators concerned with the effects of man-made materials in the environment.