Biopolymers and Biopolymer Based Composites: Processing, Properties, Durability

Dear Colleagues,

This is to present a collection of papers regarding processing, properties, durability of biopolymers including microcomposites, nanocomposites, and blends.

There is a growing interest toward the development and applications of polymeric materials, derived from oil or from natural resources, which display specific characteristics such as biodegradability, compostability, and biocompatibility. It has been demonstrated that such polymers may be used as valid and more environmentally friendly alternatives of “traditional” polymers, with new uses reported daily.

As well as other polymeric systems, adding a second phase, rigid or flexible, may improve some specific properties (e.g., mechanical properties in the case of rigid fillers) or provide the material with new ones (e.g., by adding functional additives).

The aim of this collection is to explore the often unknown relationships between processing variables, the macro–micro–nanomorphology of the materials prepared, and their final properties.

The durability of biopolymers is one of the weak spots of these materials. Therefore, contributions dealing with this aspect, including thermomechanical, environmental, photooxidative degradation, and the related stabilization strategies are more than welcome.

Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro
Dr. Andrea Maio
Guest Editors

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