Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites

Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites: Properties, Synthesis, Fabrication, and Applications takes an innovative approach to the design, preparation and processing of polylactic acid nanocomposites, including the latest cutting-edge applications. Sections cover polylactic acid nanocomposites, their physical and chemical properties, and the use of reinforcing fillers including carbon nanotubes, clay, graphene and graphene oxide, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, nanocellulose, polyhedral oligomericsilsesquioxanes (POSS), silica nanoparticles, and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Other chapters unlock the potential of shape-memory properties and explain advanced fabrication techniques, such as casting, electrospinning, and 3D printing.

The book then focuses on the ground-breaking advanced biomedical applications, as well as further application possibilities in agriculture, food processing, and other industries, before finally considering important environmental and human health factors in the final chapter. This is an essential guide to polylactic acid nanocomposites and their current or potential applications that is ideal for academic researchers, scientists and students across biopolymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer nanocomposites, plastics engineering, biomaterials, materials science, biomedical engineering, and medicine.

• Provides systematic coverage on the reinforcing fillers used in the synthesis of polylactic acid nanocomposites, including carbon nanotubes, clay, graphene, metal oxide, and many more
• Focuses on advanced biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, nano and microcapsules for drug delivery, and cancer therapy
• Presents the very latest developments in the field, including the 3D printing of PLA nanocomposites and shape-memory effect