| | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Preface vii
Acknowledgments ix
PART ONE PLASTICS
Chapter 1: The Age of Plastics
The New Kids on the Block, How Do We Use All That Plastic? 3
Chapter 2: Plastics as Materials
Materials Science, Composites and Laminates, The Distinction of Plastics as a Material, Materials and the Ecosystem 10
Chapter 3: Plastics and the Environment
Raw Materials, Plastics Waste, Managing Plastics Waste, Environment Friendly Plastics? 15
Chapter 4: The Chemical Nature of Plastics
Polymers, Plastics, Additives, Common Thermoplastics, Common Thermosets, Biodegradable Synthetics, Fibers and Elastomers 31
Chapter 5: Plastics Degradation
Plastics after Use-An Introduction, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Biodegradation-Nature's Recycling, Degradation of Plastics, Tests and Standards 52
PART TWO BIOPLASTICS
Chapter 6: Biopolymers
Nature's Polymers, Carbohydrates, Lignin, Proteins, Polyesters, Synthetic "Biopolymers," Nature's Fibers, Nature's Composites 83
Chapter 7: The Reemergence of Bioplastics
What Are Bioplastics? Early Bioplastics, The New Bioplastics 104
Chapter 8: Factors Affecting Growth
Biomass Raw Materials, Benign Technology, Biodegradable Products, Properties, Cost 135
Chapter 9: Prospects for the Future
Raw Materials, Markets, Technological Advances, Environmental Concern, The Role of Government, The Role of the Private Sector, Paradigm Shift 145
Appendix Make Your Own
Preparation of Cast-Film Bioplastics, Supplies, Equipment, Procedure, Formulations, Varying the Recipes, "1-2-3 Plastic," Other Possibilities, Standard Tests, Designing Science Projects 165
Notes 187
Glossary 207
Reading List 221
Author/Name Index 223
Subject Index 231
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