This book shows how the use of biodegradable plastics in agriculture can have a profound positive impact on plasticulture. Starting with an organic chemistry approach to biodegradable and compostable plastics, both natural and synthetic, it then analyzes the technological and agronomic aspects of existing bioplastics for protected cultivation (mulching, direct cover, low tunnels). It describes the new sprayable biodegradable mulching method, which is based on the use of waterborne polysaccharides and cellulosic fibers. A further chapter describes the research and technology of biodegradable plastics for different agricultural practices. It also includes chapters on life cycle assessment (LCA) of biodegradable plastics for agriculture, and existing and developing standards in the field. It is a valuable resource for agronomists, chemical and materials engineers, polymer technologists and scientists, as well as for a more general readership interested in the application of green chemistry principles to the vast world of crop production. Mario Malinconico is Research Director at the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Italy. /p

This book provides the latest information on bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. The initial chapters introduce readers to the various sources and substrates for the synthesis of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, and explain their general structure, physio-chemical properties and classification. In turn, the book discusses innovative methods for the production of bioplastics at the industrial level and for the microbial production of bioplastics. It highlights the processes that are involved in the conversion of agro-industrial waste into bioplastics, while also summarizing the mechanisms of biodegradation in bioplastics. The book addresses a range of biotechnological applications of bioplastics such as in agriculture, food packaging and pharmaceutical industry, as well as biomedical applications.

This book presents an exhaustive analysis of the trends in the development and use of natural and synthetic polymer systems aimed at sustainable agricultural production. The polymers have allowed the development of controlled and released systems of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and phytohormones through micro and nanoencapsulated systems, which protect and stimulate the growth of crops at low costs and without damage to the environment. Hydrogel systems from natural and synthetic polymers have also had their place in the agricultural industry, since they allow to maintain the humidity conditions of the crops for their correct development in drought times. Mulch films made of polymers have also become important in the control of weeds and pests in crops, as well as the use of edible coatings applied to fruits and vegetables during post-harvest, which reduce the losses of these perishable foods. Currently, the systems indicated, as well as others, are already used on a large scale. However, research studies in this area have been limited compared to other polymer applications. This book collects useful information for researchers, students and technologies related to the polymer technology and agri-food production. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including associate editors of important journals, as well as researchers working in the area of research and development (R&D) of leading agri-food industries in the manufacture of agricultural inputs.

Applications of Advanced Green Materials provides a comprehensive and authoritative review on recent advancement in green materials in various applications. Each chapter is focused on a specific application of advanced green materials from packaging to sensor technology, biomedical to environmental applications, textile to catalysis to electronic shielding applications, supercapacitors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioelectronic, gas storage and separation, etc. This book also discusses life cycle assessment and circular economy of green materials and their future prospective. The book is unique with contributions from renowned scientists working on biopolymers and biocomposites, bioactive and biodegradable materials, composites, and metallic natural materials. This book is an essential resource for academicians, researchers, students and professionals interested in exploring potential of advanced green materials. - Includes up to date information on applications of advanced green materials - Each chapter is specifically discussing a particular application with examples - Present a unified approach to discuss in detail about origin, synthesis and application of green materials

BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS Biodegradable materials have ascended in importance in recent years and this book comprehensively discusses all facets and applications in 29 chapters making it a one-stop shop. Biodegradable materials have today become more compulsory because of increased environmental concerns and the growing demand for polymeric and plastic materials. Despite our sincere efforts to recycle used plastic materials, they ultimately tend to enter the oceans, which has led to grave pollution. It is necessary, therefore, to ensure that these wastes do not produce any hazards in the future. This has made an urgency to replace the synthetic material with green material in almost all possible areas of application. Biodegradable Materials and Their Applications covers a wide range of subjects and approaches, starting with an introduction to biodegradable material applications. Chapters focus on the development of various types of biodegradable materials with their applications in electronics, medicine, packaging, thermoelectric generations, protective equipment, films/coatings, 3D printing, disposable bioplastics, agriculture, and other commercial sectors. In biomedical applications, their use in the advancement of therapeutic devices like temporary implants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery vehicles are summarized. Audience Materials scientists, environmental and sustainability engineers, and any other researchers and graduate students associated with biodegradable materials.

Bioplastics for Sustainability: Manufacture, Technologies, and Environment offers an innovative approach to bioplastics, integrating state-of-the-art materials and technologies with detailed analysis of lifecycle, recycling, circularity, and environmental impact of bioplastics, and enabling circular utilization and successful scale-up of bioplastics. The book begins by introducing the fundamentals of bioplastics – including biodegradable, compostable, and oxodegradable materials – and discusses the various factors involved in encouraging commercial uptake of these materials. The second part of the book highlights cutting-edge approaches to the production of bioplastics, covering novel sources such as microalgae and organic waste, and solutions for industrial scale manufacturing. Other sections cover the environmental impact of bioplastics and routes to environmentally-friendly usage, and more. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across polymer science, sustainable materials, plastics engineering, materials science, chemistry, environmental science, and engineering. In an industrial setting, this book supports engineers, scientists, and R&D professionals with an interest in sustainable manufacture and application of bioplastics, across a range of products, parts, and industries. - Presents the latest advances in novel materials and manufacture techniques for bioplastics - Focuses on sustainable use of bioplastics, assessing biodegradability, life cycle, recycling, waste, and environmental impact - Addresses other key considerations, such as industrial scale-up, commercialization, policies, and regulation

The quality of agricultural soils are always under threat from chemical contaminants, which ultimately affect the productivity and safety of crops. Besides agrochemicals, a new generation of substances invades the soil through irrigation with reclaimed wastewater and pollutants of organic origin such as sewage sludge or cattle manure. Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and microplastics are now present in agricultural soils, but the understanding of their impact on soil quality is still limited. With focus on in situ bioremediation, this book provides an exhaustive analysis of the current biological methodologies for recovering polluted agricultural soils as well as monitoring the effectiveness of bioremediation.