Polymers from Renewable Resources

The increasing interest in using renewable resources as a potential source to manufacture new polymeric materials with lower environmental impact has led to an increasing research effort in the synthesis of polymers from renewable resources. This book will present the most important synthesis starting with different renewable resources. New syntheses will be presented including a presentation on availability of the different renewable resources. Renewable resources will be analysed from the aspect of using monomers, oligomers or biopolymers presenting synthesis routes and modifications needed to reach polymeric properties. The book will also critically analyse the pros and cons using renewable resources by LCA/LCI on available large-scale processes. In addition, ethical dilemmas of using crops for production of materials will be discussed. Future trends and necessary steps to develop sustainable polymeric materials using renewable resources will also be outlined and discussed in detail.
This book will combine up-to-date research in the synthesis of polymers from renewable resources with new insights in the environmental impact and consequences for the sustainable society (ecology, environmental aspects) with an increasing exploration of renewable resources for making new polymeric materials.