Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies

The book presents new research in the area of biobased "green composites". Biobased materials involve renewable agricultural and forestry feedstocks, including wood, agricultural waste, grasses and natural plant fibers. These lignocellulosic materials are composed mainly of carbohydrates such as sugar and lignin, cellulose, vegetable oils and proteins. Much research is concerned with renewable materials such as bamboo, vegetable ¿bers, soil composites and recycled materials such as rice husk ash and sugar cane ash. The general aim here is to use renewable and non-polluting materials in ways that offer a high degree of sustainability and preserve the remaining natural resources for future generations.