Addresses surface modification techniques, which are critical for tailoring and broadening the applications of naturally occurring biopolymers

Biopolymers represent a sustainable solution to the need for new materials in the auto, waste removal, biomedical device, building material, defense, and paper industries. Despite this eco-friendly advantage, the need for improvements and desired properties of biopolymers continue. Research centered on the fundamentals and applications have led to the concept of altering characteristics to obtain biopolymers of optimal and desired properties. The kinds of techniques utilized in such practice are presented in Surface Modification of Biopolymers. Clear and comprehensive, the text features:

* The first comprehensive summary of biopolymer modification methods to enhance compatibility, flexibility, enhanced physicochemical properties, thermal stability, impact response, and rigidity, among others
* Summaries of numerous significant advances in the surface modification routes for the functionalization of biopolymers starting from cellulose to starch, as well as main challenges for the facile functionalization of the different biopolymers
* Coverage of applications in automotive development, hazardous waste removal, biomedical engineering, pulp and paper industries, development of new building materials, and defense-related technologies
Critical issues and suggestions for future research avenues are discussed, underscoring the roles of materials scientists and researchers for the future of these new "green" materials. This book is useful for multidisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate students, materials and biomaterials scientists and engineers, polymer chemists, biochemists, and biotechnologists.