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.

Part I Manufacturing1. Synthesis of PLA, processing and manufacturing techniques of PLA based composites with various reinforcements2. Additive manufacturing and their influencing factors on the performance of PLA based Biocomposites3. Electrospinning and their influencing factors on the performance of PLA based Biocomposites and BionanocompositesPart II Performance Characterization4. Thermal characterization of natural fibre based PLA composites with TGA, DSC, and DMA5. Performance of PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites under static loads6. Performance of PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites under dynamic loads7. Compatibilization effects and influence of natural fibre treatment on the thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties of PLA based Biocomposites8. Influence of various nanofillers on the thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties of PLA based Biocomposites9. Synergistic effects of polymer blends on thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties of PLA based BiocompositesPart III Environmental impact10. Influence of water uptake and other aging conditions on the mechanical properties of PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites11. Biodegradability, soil burial and antimicrobial properties of PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites12. Lifecycle assessment, end of life options and recycling of bio-based products from PLAPart IV Applications13. PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites in biomedical and healthcare applications14. PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites in packaging film applications15. PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites for Tribological applications16. PLA based Bionanocomposites for fire retardancy and elevated temperature applications17. Shape memory effects of PLA based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites for sensor and actuator applications18. Socioeconomic aspects, sustainability, and future-prospects of bio-based products from PLA