Polyhydroxyalkanoates future prospective

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) initially received serious attention as a possible substitute for petrochemical-based plastics because of the anticipated shortage in the supply of petroleum. Since then, PHA has remained as an interesting material to both the academia and indusby. Now, we know more about this microbial storage polyester and have developed efficient fermentation systems for the large-scale production of PHA. Besides sugars, plant oils will become one of the important feedstock for the industrial-scale production of PHA. In addition, PHA will find new apphcations in various areas. This chapter summarizes the future prospects and the importance of developing a sustainable production system for PHA. 

Lillo, J.A.G. and Rodriguez-Valera, F. (1990) Effects of culture conditions on poly (p-hydroxybutyric acid) production by Haloferax mediterranei. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 56, 2517-2521. Quillaguaman, J., Guzman, H., Van-Thuoc, D. and Kaul, R.H. (2010) Synthesis and production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by halophQes current potential and future prospects. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 85,1687-1696. 

In the present chapter, rayon and other man-made cellulose fibers wUl be introduced in terms of properties and stracture. The compounding method to obtain the composites will be described briefly. PP-rayon composites will be considered in more detail as the practically most relevant class of this type of material at present arousing interest from the automotive industry. In another section rayon composites with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) will be studied as a promising bio-based and biodegradable alternative to conventional materials in durable applications, transport, and automotive industry. Finally, some concluding remarks will be given concerning future prospects of rayon reinforced thermoplastics and the problems to be tackled in future work. 

Polyhydroxyalkanoates as Packaging Materials Current Applications and Future Prospects... 

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