Biopolymer Composites in Electronics

Book Preface

Extensive scientific research is going on for keeping the environment safe, free of pollution, and reducing the waste materials. Among several ways to maintain the eco-friendly devices and biodegradable by-products, manufacturing biocomposite materials has utmost significance. The biocomposites are generally made of biopolymers and also biobased filler materials. Natural polymers like cellulose, chitosan, starch, etc. come under the biopolymer category; in addition to the synthetic biopolymers like polylactic acid, polyethylene glycol, etc. The present book is a reflection for these biopolymers and their various composites used in electronic applications. It covers the fabrication processes, testing the materials, biodegradability checking, and different uses of them in optics, fuel cells, photovoltaics, sensors, actuators, dielectrics, electromagnetic shielding, thermoelectric piezoelectrics, flexible displays, and microwave absorbers.

In this modern world, the structural characteristics and related physicochemical and functional properties of biopolymer composites are gaining interest, and the book is aimed to provide an up-to-date, coherent, and objective collection of data from eminent researchers. Other than the design, polymer assemblies, filler architecture, interfaces, and interphases are the subjects of hot study. The flexible large area panels used nowadays for monitoring purposes are made of biocomposites and their simplicity and cost of production are very feasible as compared to the highly sophisticated and expensive semiconductor micro- and nanoelectronics. Tailoring the polymer properties and the filler—both micro and nano—influence in future electronic devices is expected to be an asset to the modern technology. Many electrical, electronic, mechanical, and optical, multipurpose devices with low cost and high efficiency are envisaged.

Finally the latest ideas, most recent research and technological progress are included in a comprehensive style suitable for undergraduates, postgraduates, and academics. Using this book, the reader will be capable of gaining a consolidated view of the immense potential of biopolymers and their composites containing plant fibers, cellulose crystals, microfibrillar materials, etc. to make the world greener. In addition to the traditionally established applications, the uses that can emerge in the near future are also a matter of study of this book. The chapter authors have done a good task in reviewing the different aspects of biopolymer composites and the main challenges existing to effectively apply them in the field of electronics. A uniform reader strategy was followed throughout the book, and all points that can satisfy a variety of readers, like students, researchers, teachers in academia, professionals in industry, and government agencies, etc. are included in the discussion. In summary the efforts behind this book are immense and the investigation on biopolymer materials applicable in electronics will open a new pathway to industrialize the biodegradable, light weight, and flexible materials as electronic counterparts.