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Thermal Properties of Biopolymers

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Handbook of Biopolymers

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Abstract

In the context of sustainable development, the use of polymers of natural origin has gained a lot of significance. Degradability, nontoxicity, a wealth of natural resources available as raw materials, and renewable nature are the main characteristics that are prioritized when employing biopolymers. These polymers have a wide range of applications, including medication administration, tissue engineering, tumor ablation, biomedicine, and food packaging. Their weak thermal and mechanical stability, however, is a drawback. The four most studied biopolymers, cellulose, starch, chitosan, and polylactic acid, have all been the subject of thermal investigations, which have been attempted to be analyzed in this chapter. The thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric methods gave an idea on the thermal stability, degradation steps, and glass transition temperature and crystallinity of the samples. Various studies on effect of different parameter affecting the thermal degradation are also highlighted. Studies have proved that the use of other polymers, crosslinking agents, and nanofillers blended along with biopolymer has improved the thermal stability. These studies would provide an insight into further development of methodologies to improve upon the properties of natural polymers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Post Graduate and Research Department of Chemistry, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, India

    Amrutha S. R., Rejimon P. K., Suja N. R. & Alson Mart

Authors
  1. Amrutha S. R.
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  2. Rejimon P. K.
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  3. Suja N. R.
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  4. Alson Mart
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Correspondence to Amrutha S. R. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical Science, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India

    Sabu Thomas

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India

    Ajitha AR

  3. Department of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha, India

    Cintil Jose Chirayil

  4. Department of Chemistry, Newman College, Thodupuzha, India

    Bejoy Thomas

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S. R., A., P. K., R., N. R., S., Mart, A. (2023). Thermal Properties of Biopolymers. In: Thomas, S., AR, A., Jose Chirayil, C., Thomas, B. (eds) Handbook of Biopolymers . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0710-4_12

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