Starch-Based Polymeric Materials and Nanocomposites: Chemistry, Processing, and Applications

In recent years, much attention has been focused on biodegradable polymers from renewable resources. Due to its availability and low cost, starch is a promising candidate among biopolymers for use in biodegradable packaging materials and for other purposes. This volume presents the latest developments in starch chemistry, starch derivatives, starch-based nanocomposites, and their applications. Topics discussed include plasticization, rheological techniques, polymeric aspects of reactive extrusion (REX) and its use on starch and other biopolymers, and the potential of starch in food packaging, edible packaging, feedstock for bioproducts, and industrial and consumer products.