Handbook of Natural Polymers, Volume 1: Sources, Synthesis, and Characterization

The Handbook of Natural Polymers: Sources, Synthesis, and Characterization is a comprehensive resource covering extraction and processing methods for polymers from natural sources, with an emphasis on the latest advances. The book begins by introducing the current state-of-the-art, challenges, and opportunities in natural polymers. This is followed by detailed coverage of extraction, synthesis, and characterization methods, organized by polymer type. Along with broad chapters discussing approaches to polysaccharide-based polymers, dedicated chapters offer in-depth information on nanocellulose, chitin and chitosan, gluten, alginate, natural rubber, gelatin, pectin, lignin, keratin, gutta percha, shellac, silk, wood, casein, albumin, collagen, hemicellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, zein, soya protein, and gum. The final chapters explore other key themes, including filler interactions and properties in natural polymer-based composites, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, biodegradability, life cycle, and recycling. Throughout the book, information is supported by data, and guidance is offered regarding potential scale-up and industry factors. As part of a 3-volume handbook offering comprehensive coverage of natural polymers, this book will be of interest to all those looking to gain a broad knowledge of natural polymers, including academic researchers, scientists, advanced students, engineers, and R&D professionals from a range of disciplines and industries.

Dr. Sreekala Meyyarappallil Sadasivan is recognized for her research in the field of polymer macro, micro and nanocomposites, polymer foams and their blends. After receiving her Ph.D. in Chemistry (Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam), she held research positions in the Japan and Germany before joining the Sree Sankara College. Currently she is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at School of Chemical Sciences, director of School of Polymer Science and Technology (SPST) and Joint director of School of Nanoscience and Technology (SNST) and International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The research in Sreekala’s laboratory is focused on development and property improvements of polymer composites for high end automotive, aerospace and structural applications, development of fully biodegradable, green and sustainable polymer composites from natural fibers, biopolymers etc. for industrial application, electronic applications of polymer nanocomposites such as nanogenerators, electromagnetic shielding (EMI) etc., biomedical applications of polymer composites for effective wound healing and development of biofiller entrapped polymer nanocomposites for water remediation. She was ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world (Rising Stars List) according to a subject-by subject study undertaken by a team from Stanford University and Scopus experts for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. She has an h-index of 38 and total citation of 7306. She is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Indian Rubber Institute, and was the recipient of JSPS and AvH fellowship, CSIR senior research fellowship and ICS-UNIDO fellowship.

Dr. Lakshmipriya Ravindran is NavaKerala Post-Doctoral Fellow (NKPDF), International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN) Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India- 686560. With a focus on a wide array of research areas, her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the field of materials science and nanotechnology. Her primary research interests encompass the synthesis of nano materials sourced from both bio-origin and synthetic materials. A significant portion of her work revolves around the preparation of nanocomposites and macrocomposites, exploring their applications across various domains. Her expertise extends to the realm of flexible electronics, polymer foams, polymer hydrogels, and membranes designed for water purification. Dr. Ravindran has also delved into the conversion of biomass for energy storage, a crucial area for sustainable energy solutions. She has authored many papers, book chapters and edited books. She convened many international conferences. Also delivered invited talks in international conferences within India and abroad. She has bagged best oral presentation in an international conference and best poster presentation in a national conference.

Prof. Koichi Goda is Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Full Professor, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at Yamaguchi University, Japan. Prof. Goda has significant experience in areas including biopolymers, composite materials, reliability, and nanotechnology, with recent research focusing on green composites. He has received numerous awards for his work in including most recently the Meritorious Contribution Award from JCOM (Committee on Composite Materials of JSMS – The Society of Materials Science, Japan) in 2018, and the JSMS Award for Distinguished Service to Chugoku Branch in 2020.

Professor Sabu Thomas is currently an Emeritus Professor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. He was the former Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University. He is a Senior Professor of Christ University, Bangalore, India. He is also a visiting Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and an Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, IIT Roorkee, India. He is the Chairman of the TrEST Research Park, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. The H index of Professor Thomas is 162 and he has more than 130,000 citations