Modification of Plant Fibers/Fillers

This book is envisioned to shed light on the prospects of surface modification of plant fibers/fillers in economic aspects, since commercialization of most of the raw cellulosic fibers/fillers is a concerning issue. By offering appropriate treatment methods, it is probable to make it more admirable to composite applications and thereby commercialization. This book highlights the fiber/filler extraction, characterization and processing techniques, conventional and eco-friendly modification techniques, its impacts on material or composite properties, and probable means of extensive application of modified materials in future. The recent developments, especially, the effectiveness of microbial and enzymatic treatments, scope of utilizing a large variety of feasible microbes and degradative enzymes, and surface coating techniques are discussed in detail. A comparative analysis of diverse treatment methods on various properties of plant fibers and their composites were made and presented well in the book to encourage researchers. Moreover, the extensive utilization of a wide-range of cellulosic fibers/organic fillers that are identified still through appropriate treatments would ensure a green revolution by replacing the existing synthetic ones.