Biorelated polymers sustainable polymer science and technology; [combined proceedings of the First and Second International Conference on Biopolymer Technology, organised by the International Centre of Biopolymer Technology, held in Coimbra, Portugal on S

This book includes papers on polymeric materials from renewable resources known as `Biorelated Polymers and Plastics', and issues are bound to their utilization and environmental impact in their production, conversions to manufacts and ultimate disposal of post-costume manufacts. Modern industrial developments inspired by the new concepts of sustainability and ecocompatibility require a deeper attention to renewable resources as a new-old source of raw material and feedback. This new trend, occurring not only in industrialized countries but also in emerging countries and countries in transition, thoroughly permeates the polymer and plastic industry, due to the big impact that those materials have on the modern way of life. Plastic waste, specifically that stemming from segments of packaging, containers for solids and liquids and single use items, is attracting much effort from municipality officers, producers and converters, aimed at finding a harmonized solution among the various options available for their appropriate management. In this respect, polymeric materials of natural origin (biopolymers), as well as materials from renewable resources useable for the production of monomeric precursors, or semi-synthetic polymeric materials, constitute a focal point for future industrial development in the production of polymers and plastics. The present book contains much valuable information and scientific hints on a modern approach aimed at designing processes and products with minimal negative environmental impact Application of polymers from renewable resources - also identified as biopolymers - has a large potential market due to the current emphasis on sustainable technology. For optimal R&D achievements and hence benefits from these market opportunities, it is essential to combine the expertise available in the vast range ofdifferent disciplines in biopolymer science and technology. The International Centre of Biopolymer Technology - ICBT - has been created with support from the European Commission to facilitate co­ operation and the exchange of scientific knowledge between industries, universities and other research groups. One of the activities to reach these objectives, is the organisation ofa conference on Biopolymer Technology. In September 1999, the first international conference on Biopolymer Technology was held in Coimbra, Portugal. Because of its success - both scientifically and socially - and because ofthe many contacts that resulted in exchange missions or other ICBT activities, it was concluded that a second conference on Biopolymer Technology was justified. This second conference was held in Ischia, Italy in October 2000. And again, the scientific programme contained a broad spectrum ofpresentations in a range of fields such as biopolymer synthesis, modification, technology, applications, material testing and analytical methods.

This collection of 33 papers overviews current European activities in the field of biopolymers—the application of polymers from renewable resources. The contributors review biopolymer synthesis, modification, technology, material testing, and analytical methods. Topics include potato starch based resilient thermoplastic foams, biomedical applications, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production by activated sludge, fatty esterification of plant properties, a comparison of two test systems for measuring the fermentability of biodegradable materials, and the role of life cycle assessment for biodegradable bags. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Combined Proceedings of the First and Second International Conference on Biopolymer Technology, organised by the International Centre of Biopolymer Technology, held in Coimbra, Portugal on September 29-October 1, 1999 and in Ischia (Naples), Italy on October 25-27, 2000 As a result of the increasing amount of raw materials that is used to manufacture foamed products and their environmental impact in waste streams the awareness to reduce the use of these materials and to stimulate re-use and recycling is growing.