The objectives of this book are twofold: 1. To provide a thorough examination of the materials science of cellulosic fibers with emphasis on the characterization of structure-property relations, and 2. To advance knowledge of how to best analyze cellulosic fibrous networks and composites, and, ultimately, engineer "novel" cellulose-based systems of superior performance and functionality. The design of new materials through the study of living systems, or bio-imitation, is burgeoning to become an established field, generally referred to as biomimetics. The latter, as with materials science, in general, prominently features multi-disciplinarity where new developments in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering continue to inspire novel areas of research and development. The book is structured in five chapters which provide a sequential treatment of the running theme: deformation mechanics and the physical, morphological and mechanical characterization of native cellulose fibers networks and composites. The heart of the book is Chapter 3, Damage Accumulation in Fibers, which treats the experimental methodology for fatigue testing of single fibers and the engendered results. In-depth examinations of the morphology, structure and chemical composition of native cellulose fibers, and the mechanics of deformation in these natural composite fibers are proffered in Chapters 1 and 2, respectively. The fourth chapter, Fractal Simulation of Crack Propagation, presents a fractal-based approach to modeling damage accumulation in materials. Fractals lend themselves well to modeling such randomly-oriented phenomena as crack propagation and fracture. The last chapter, Fibrous Structures: Networks and Composites, comprises analytical approaches for handling networks and composites.

Cellulose-Reinforced Nanofibre Composites: Production, Properties and Applications presents recent developments in, and applications of, nanocellulose as reinforcement in composite and nanocomposite materials. Written by leading experts, the book covers properties and applications of nanocellulose, including the production of nanocellulose from different biomass resources, the usefulness of nanocellulose as a reinforcement for polymer and paper, and major challenges for successful scale-up production in the future. The chapters draw on cutting-edge research on the use of nanosized cellulose reinforcements in polymer composites that result in advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The book presents an up-to-date review of the major innovations in the field of nanocellulose and provides a reference material for future research in biomass based composite materials, which is timely due to the sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly demand for highly innovative materials made from biomass. This book is an ideal source of information for scientific and industrial researchers working in materials science. - Gathers together a broad spectrum of research on nanocellulose, with emphasis on the outstanding reinforcing potential when nanocellulose is included into a polymer matrix or as an additive to paper - Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from processing, design, characterization and applications of nanocellulose - Presents a useful reference and technical guide for nanocomposite materials R&D sectors, university academics and postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) and industrialists working in material commercialization

The purpose of this publication is to make available under one cover a connected review of the colloid chemistry of cellulosic materials in the effort to stimulate further researches and discovery, seeking always a clearer knowledge of the materials and their chemical and physical relationships.

Polylactic Acid-Based Nanocellulose and Cellulose Composites offers a comprehensive account of the methods for the synthesis, characterization, processing, and applications of these advanced materials. This book fills a gap in the literature as the only currently available book on this topic. This book: Describes the procedures for the extraction of cellulose materials from different sources and characterization methods adopted for analyzing their properties Covers properties, processing, and applications of PLA biocomposites made using the extracted cellulose Discusses the effect of reinforcement of cellulose on the biopolymer matrix and the enhancement of biopolymer properties Examines current status, challenges, and future outlook in biocomposite research and applications The book serves as a reference for researchers, scientists, and advanced students in polymer science and engineering and materials science who are interested in cellulose polymer composites and their applications.