This book examines the synthetic approaches, properties, applications, and recyclability of bio-based superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in depth. It describes and compares bio-based SAPs with petro-based SAPs. Additionally, it explores the structure–property relationships of bio-based SAPs derived from various natural sources. The book covers current and emerging applications in health and hygiene products, agriculture, construction, and other areas. It also explores the recycling and reusing methods available for water recovery, pressure sensitive adhesives, etc. It discusses the issues behind the sharp increase in research attention, namely the prevailing research hotspots/clusters and suggestions with regard to present studies, works that have been significant and pivotal in the development of SAP research, and the current advances and future directions of research. It also presents the emerging applications of superabsorbent polymers.

With the prospect of revolutionizing specific technologies, this book highlights the most exciting and impactful current research in the fields of cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels with their smart applications. The book assembles the newest synthetic routes, characterization methods, and applications in the emergent area. Leading experts in the field have contributed chapters representative of their most recent research results, shedding light on the enormous potential of this field and thoroughly presenting cellulose-based hydrogel functioning materials. The book is intended for the polymer chemists, academic and industrial scientists and engineers, pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists and agricultural engineers engaged in research and development on absorbency, absorbent products and superabsorbent hydrogels. It can also be supportive for undergraduate and graduate students.

This book discusses fundamental aspects of super absorbent polymers (SAPs), insight into the synthesis and modification of SAPs as well as their potential applications in different domains. SAPs are bio-based material that has attracted much interest due to their unique structural properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, etc. The book exhibits a unique combination of SAP designing, synthetic strategies, properties and chemistry along with SAP’s application in the field of drug delivery, firefighting and biosensors, agriculture, etc. Various approaches to make these products a cost-effective and sustainable are discussed precisely in this book. Additionally, the approaches from the perspective of academic organization and research laboratories, many readers are able to learn the insights of the connection between super absorbent polymers in the agriculture field by reducing seedling mortality owing to their water storage capacity in soil. This book written by eminent researchers can be a useful reference for graduate, post-graduate students and researchers working in the file of super absorbent polymers, polymer technology, hygiene industry, etc.

When applying human ingenuity and experience to natural resources and processes, scientists and researchers can maximize the potential of nature for human benefit. In that vein, this book explores the latest breakthroughs in natural biopolymers, green composites, and green nanocomposites, a field that is rapidly expanding. The volume looks at bio-based polymers and composites for environmental sustainability, such as in bioremediation and for wastewater treatment. It discusses natural polymers from waste products and considers the use of bio-based polymers and composites in fertilization in horticulture as well as in industry and construction, such as for recycling of concrete, for gas sensing applications for safety, for fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, etc.

The recent explosion of interdisciplinary research has fragmented the knowledge base surrounding renewable polymers. The Chemistry of Bio-based Polymers 2nd edition brings together, in one volume, the research and work of Professor Johannes Fink, focusing on biopolymers that can be synthesized from renewable polymers. After introducing general aspects of the field, the book’s subsequent chapters examine the chemistry of biodegradable polymeric types sorted by their chemical compounds, including the synthesis of low molecular compounds. Various categories of biopolymers are detailed including vinyl-based polymers, acid and lactone polymers, ester and amide polymers, carbohydrate-related polymers and others. Procedures for the preparation of biopolymers and biodegradable nanocomposites are arranged by chemical methods and in vitro biological methods, with discussion of the issue of “plastics from bacteria.” The factors influencing the degradation and biodegradation of polymers used in food packaging, exposed to various environments, are detailed at length. The book covers the medical applications of bio-based polymers, concentrating on controlled drug delivery, temporary prostheses, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Professor Fink also addresses renewable resources for fabricating biofuels and argues for localized biorefineries, as biomass feedstocks are more efficiently handled locally.

The book gathers the peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd International Conference on Application of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) and Other New Admixtures towards Smart Concrete, held in Skukuza, South Africa, on November 25-27, 2019. It features papers focusing on the behavior of SAP in concrete (in particular the absorption behavior) as well as the effect of SAP on fresh and hardened concrete properties. It also covers topics such as other modern admixtures, in particular rheology-modifying admixtures, including the recently emerging field of bio- or waste-derived admixtures. The conference builds on the experience and summarizes the activities of the RILEM Technical Committee 260-RSC "Recommendations for Use of Superabsorbent Polymers in Concrete Construction" and addresses other prominent research activities in the field of concrete admixtures.

Now in an expanded and revised second edition, this book explores sustainability engineering through the lens of the manufacturing and chemical process industries to explain the safe and economical implementation of process designs to transform raw materials into valuable finished products. The author applies the principles of sustainability science to engineering methodology for residential, commercial, and industrial applications that support the perpetual availability of raw materials through recycling, reuse, and repurposing to incorporate inexhaustible supplies and encompasses the management and conservation of these resources in a manner that minimizes negative environmental impacts. New sections include: Coverage of electric power opportunities and challenges (solar, wind, and cogeneration); Efficiency improvement as an energy supply extender; Recycling as a material extender. The book examines relevant energy policies driving and affecting commercial, industrial, and residential energy utilization and includes new industrial case studies. Anyone involved in the design or manufacture of chemicals or the upgrade of existing manufacturing processes will benefit from this books suggestions for identifying improvement options while adding the pivotal aspect of sustainability to the usual cost and safety equation optimization elements. A practical, systematic approach introducing holistic process designs emphasizing sustainability as a core requirement; How to combine chemical, mechanical, and natural processes to optimize material and energy utilization sustainably; Suitable for preparing young chemical engineers in the capstone course of senior process design. .