Amongst thermoplastic biodegradable polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) has been widely used in many different applications but it still has limited use in various industrial sectors such as medical, packaging, textile, water, and wastewater treatment.

To increase the use of these materials more information is needed on their properties, characterization, processing, safety, and sustainability.

Natural Fibre-Reinforced PLA Composites: Processing, Characterization and Applications reviews the thermal, physico-chemical, fire retardant, mechanical, tribological, biodegradable and anti-microbial properties of these materials. Fabrication of PLA biocomposites using advanced fabrication techniques like additive manufacturing and electrospinning are also discussed in detail.
The book will be a valuable reference for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists and engineers working in the development of polymers, bioplastics, polymer composites and biocomposites as well as industrial manufacturers.

• Covers all aspects of polylactide biocomposites, and discusses their properties and characterization
• Discusses compostability, the influence of water uptake, and other aging conditions
• Covers Lifecycle assessment, end of life options and recycling of bio-based products from PLA
• Discusses Socioeconomic aspects, sustainability, and future-prospects