This brief outlines the most recent advances in the production of polyols and polyurethanes from renewable resources, mainly vegetable oils, lignocellulosic biomass, starch, and protein. The typical processes for the production of polyols from each of the above mentioned feedstocks are introduced and the properties of the resultant polyols and polyurethanes are also discussed.

This brief outlines the most recent advances in the production of polyols and polyurethanes from renewable resources, mainly vegetable oils, lignocellulosic biomass, starch, and protein. The typical processes for the production of polyols from each of the above mentioned feedstocks are introduced and the properties of the resultant polyols and polyurethanes are also discussed.

The replacement of polyols synthesized from petrochemical by polyols originating from natural products, notably from vegetable oils and animal fats, has been the subject of research projects for a number of decades. Very recently, however, the polymers industry has intensified its efforts to include the "green products", such as biobased polyols, in applications already available in the market. Examples of such applications include polyurethane foams, elastomers and epoxides. This book describes the extraction of the natural constituents of several fruits and plants as well as their chemical conversion to polyols. In addition to the chemistry involved in the process, particular emphasis is attributed to their applications.

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. Because a variety of diisocyanates and a wide range of polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of materials can be produced to meet the needs of specific applications. During World War II, a widespread use of polyurethanes was first seen, when they were used as a replacement for rubber, which at that time was expensive and hard to obtain. During the war, other applications were developed, largely involving coatings of different kinds, from airplane finishes to resistant clothing. Subsequent decades saw many further developments and today we are surrounded by polyurethane applications in every aspect of our everyday lives. While polyurethane is a product that most people are not overly familiar with, as it is generally "hidden" behind covers or surfaces made of other materials, it would be hard to imagine life without polyurethanes.

Bio-based Plant Oil Polymers and Composites provides engineers and materials scientists a useful framework to help take advantage of the latest research conducted in this rapidly advancing field—enabling them to develop and commercialize their own products quickly and more successfully. Plant oil is one of the most attractive options as a substitute for non-renewable resources in polymers and composites, and is producing materials with very promising thermomechanical properties relative to traditional, petroleum-based polymers. In addition to critical processing and characterization information, the book assists engineers in deciding whether or not they should use a plant oil-based polymer over a petroleum-based polymer, discussing sustainability concerns, biodegradability, associated costs, and recommended applications. The book details the advancements in the development of polymeric materials and composites from plant oils, and provides a critical review of current applications in various fields, including packaging, biomedical, and automotive applications. Also includes the latest progress in developing multifunctional biobased polymers—by increasing thermal conductivity or adding antibacterial properties, for example. - Essential coverage of processing, characterization, and the latest research into polymeric materials and composites derived from plant oils (thermoplastics, thermosets, nanocomposites, and fiber reinforced composites) - Critically reviews the potential applications of plant oil-based polymers, including sensors, structural parts, medical devices, and automotive interiors - Includes the latest developments in multifunctional bio-based polymer composites

This book is part of a five-volume set that explores sustainability in textile industry practices globally. Case studies are provided that cover the theoretical and practical implications of sustainable textile issues, including environmental footprints of textile manufacturing, consumer behavior, eco-design in clothing and apparels, supply chain sustainability, the chemistry of textile manufacturing, waste management and textile economics. The set will be of interest to researchers, engineers, industrialists, R&D managers and students working in textile chemistry, economics, materials science, and sustainable consumption and production. This volume explores some alternative synthetic raw materials resulting from the recycling and regeneration of renewable textile fibers, and how these sustainable green-based composites can contribute to improved ecological and human health. The book offers insights into the impacts of human-made fibers and microfiber pollution, and how biodegradable material sourcing can help to curb harmful environmental impacts from these practices and achieve clothing and apparel sustainability.

This book focuses on starch polymers including starch genetics, biotechnological and chemical modification, nanostructures, processing, characterization, properties and applications. This books topic is in a cutting edge and emerging technology area of biomaterials, nanomaterials and renewable materials, and will involve international experts in diverse fields from genetic engineering to applications. - Focuses on cutting edge applications of starch polymers, including starch genetics and Rheology - Contains working examples and provides real problems and solutions in the area of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and renewable materials - Provides systematic and in-depth coverage and critical assessment of all starch properties and applications from top scientists in the industry