Nanocellulose-based Sustainable Composites

The monograph discusses the development, challenges, and future potential of nanocellulose-based nanocomposites as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics. It summarizes a decade of progress in the field, highlighting the surge in research output and the ongoing efforts toward industrial commercialization. The work emphasizes the motivation behind this global research push, namely the need for eco-friendly, renewable materials that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and alleviate pollution from non-biodegradable polymers. At the same time, it acknowledges the key challenges of using cellulose-derived materials, such as difficulties in cellulose dissolution, limited intrinsic properties, processing obstacles, and higher production costs. The monograph also describes significant scientific advances, including new ionic solvent systems, improved polymer blending strategies, cost-effective compatibilisers, and innovations in reactive processing and rheology understanding, particularly for applications like EMI shielding. Overall, the book positions itself as a comprehensive overview of past and recent developments in nanocellulose-based materials and their growing role in sustainable engineering and industrial applications. It is a useful tool for graduate students, researchers, and professionals, serving as an in-depth resource for understanding the latest research developments and industrial prospects in nanocellulose-based materials.