Polymers have been used in agriculture and horticulture since the middle of the last century. There is a tremendous potential for using polymers in agriculture and our fields and garden would look very different if we did not use polymers in them. This review traces the history of polymer use, discusses the markets for polymers in these applications, and describes in detail the different types of polymers that can be used and their specific applications. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.
The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production. - Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels - Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture - Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production
The purpose of this book will be to demonstrate 1) the newly developed method of using reactive functionalized materials in agriculture to solve the economic and public health problems associated with using conventional agrochemicals; and 2) new technology aimed at achieving the greening of chemistry to meet appropriate environmental standards in both agriculture and industrial foodstuffs production. More specifically, the book will accomplish this goal by addressing 3 key issues in the field: 1) the production of reactive functionalized materials with enhanced properties that offer a major opportunity to overcome the disadvantages of using traditional materials; 2) the applications of functionalized materials in agriculture for the purpose of solving the economic and the environmental pollution problems associated with the uses of conventional agrochemicals; and 3) the contribution of polymers in solving problems associated with conventional procedures of food growth and processing, including those used in the dairy industry, sugar and fruit juices, beer and wine production, nutritive and nonnutritive food additives, and in food protection.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic polymeric materials were originally developed for their durability and resistance to all forms of degradation including biodegradation. Such materials are currently widely accepted because of their ease of processability and amenability to provide a large variety of cost effective items that help to enhance the comfort and quality of life in the modern industrial society. However, this widespread utilization of plastics has contributed to a serious plastic waste burden, and the expectation for the 21st century is for an increased demand for polymeric material. This volume focuses on a more rational utilization of resources in the fabrication, consumption and disposal of plastic items, specifically: -Environmentally Degradable Polymeric Materials (EDPs); -Water-soluble/Swellable Biodegradable Polymers; -EDPs from Renewable Resources; -Biopolymers; -Bioresorbable Materials for Biomedical Applications; -Biorelated Polymers; -Standards and Regulations on EDPs.
This book shows how the use of biodegradable plastics in agriculture can have a profound positive impact on plasticulture. Starting with an organic chemistry approach to biodegradable and compostable plastics, both natural and synthetic, it then analyzes the technological and agronomic aspects of existing bioplastics for protected cultivation (mulching, direct cover, low tunnels). It describes the new sprayable biodegradable mulching method, which is based on the use of waterborne polysaccharides and cellulosic fibers. A further chapter describes the research and technology of biodegradable plastics for different agricultural practices. It also includes chapters on life cycle assessment (LCA) of biodegradable plastics for agriculture, and existing and developing standards in the field. It is a valuable resource for agronomists, chemical and materials engineers, polymer technologists and scientists, as well as for a more general readership interested in the application of green chemistry principles to the vast world of crop production. Mario Malinconico is Research Director at the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Italy. /p
Salinity and water stress limit crop productivity worldwide and generate substantial economic losses each year, yet innovative research on crop and natural resource management can reveal cost-effective ways in which farmers can increase both their productivity and their income. Presenting recent research findings on salt stress, water stress and stress-adapted plants, this book offers insights into new strategies for increasing the efficiency of crops under stressful environments. The strategies are based on conventional breeding and advanced molecular techniques used by plant physiologists, and are discussed using specific case studies to illustrate their potential. The book emphasizes the effects of environmental factors on specific stages of plant development, and discusses the role of plant growth regulators, nutrients, osmoprotectants and antioxidants in counteracting their adverse affects. Synthesising updated information on mechansisms of stress tolerance at cell, tissue and whole-plant level, this book provides a useful reference text for post graduate students and researchers involved in the fields of stress physiology and plant physiology in general, with additional readership amongst researchers in horticulture, agronomy, crop science, conservation, environmental management and ecological restoration.
Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook, Industrial Polymers, Specialty Polymers, and Their Applications covers a wide range of general and special types of polymers
This book discusses the various aspects of sustainable packaging edibles in food industry. It is divided into five main parts. The first section of the book addresses details of edible films, various sources, origin, scope and functions. Second section covers different sustainable alternatives such as seed gums, fruits and vegetable peels, sea weeds, fruits wastes, dairy by products & anti-oxidant edible packaging. This book also discusses about methods of improvements of mechanical properties of packaging edibles & their food applications, testing methods, innovations, limitations, challenges and nano edibles. It provides insights about the large quantity of wastes and by-products generated by food processing industries. Disposal of these wastes is a big problem due to their high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) & chemical oxygen demand (COD) which causes severe problem of pollution to the environment. These wastes contain large amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, various bioactive compounds and have eco-friendly packaging potential. The book emphasizes on the fact that recycling these wastes as packaging edibles are sustainable and economical. As a world foreseeing food technology revolution, this book explores the unique topics in food packaging which possesses mammoth commercial applications and environmental potential. Due to its immense scope, this book is highly useful for researchers, food scientists, students and food packaging industry experts.
Undoubtedly the applications of polymers are rapidly evolving. Technology is continually changing and quickly advancing as polymers are needed to solve a variety of day-to-day challenges leading to improvements in quality of life. The Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications presents state-of-the-art research and development on the applications of polymers. This groundbreaking work provides important overviews to help stimulate further advancements in all areas of polymers. This comprehensive multi-volume reference includes articles contributed from a diverse and global team of renowned researchers. It offers a broad-based perspective on a multitude of topics in a variety of applications, as well as detailed research information, figures, tables, illustrations, and references. The encyclopedia provides introductions, classifications, properties, selection, types, technologies, shelf-life, recycling, testing and applications for each of the entries where applicable. It features critical content for both novices and experts including, engineers, scientists (polymer scientists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, macromolecular chemists), researchers, and students, as well as interested readers in academia, industry, and research institutions.
Due to their unique properties, chitosan-based materials have emerged as useful resources in a variety of medicines, drug controlled-release carriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and immobilized enzymes. But many of these materials have yet to reach the commercial market. Therefore, more work must be completed to fill the gap between research and
