Lignin in Polymer Composites

Lignin in Polymer Composites presents the latest information on lignin, a natural polymer derived from renewable resources that has great potential as a reinforcement material in composites because it is non-toxic, inexpensive, available in large amounts, and is starting to be deployed in various materials applications due to its advantages over more traditional oil-based materials. This book reviews the state-of-the-art on the topic and their applications to composites, including thermoplastic, thermosets, rubber, foams, bioplastics, nanocomposites, and lignin-based carbon fiber composites. In addition, the book covers critical assessments on the economics of lignin, including a cost-performance analysis that discusses its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material. Finally, the huge potential applications of lignin in industry are explored with respect to its low cost, recyclable properties, and fully biodegradable composites, and the way they apply to the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. - Reviews the state-of-the-art on the topic and their applications to composites, including thermoplastic, thermosets, rubber, foams, bioplastics, nanocomposites, and lignin-based carbon fiber composites - Presents the essential processing and properties information for engineers and materials scientists, enabling the use of lignin in composites - Provides critical insight into the applications and future trends of lignin-based composites, including advantages, shortcomings, and economics - Includes a thorough coverage of extraction, modification, processing, and applications of the material

Dr. Omar Faruk works at Powertrain Engineering Research & Development Centre of Ford Motor Company, Canada. He is also acting as an Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterials Processing, University of Toronto, Canada. He achieved his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kassel, Germany and was previously Visiting Research Associate at Michigan State University, USA. He has more than 85 publications to his credit including 12 book chapters which have been published in different international journals and conferences. He has also edited 3 books, entitled 'Lightweight and Sustainable Materials for Automotive Applications', 'Biofiber Reinforcement in Composite Materials' and 'Lignin in Polymer Composites' published by CRC press, Woodhead Publishing Ltd and Elsevier Ltd respectively. In addition, he is an invited reviewer for 72 international reputed journals, government research proposals, and book proposals.