Research on Cellulose-Based Polymer Composites in Southeast Asia

In this chapter, the discussion is focused on the research on cellulose-based polymer composites conducted in some tropical countries in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia located in the tropical zone, where a variety of plants grow. Hence, there is a high availability of cellulose-based materials found in this area. This situation enhances the attractiveness of research on cellulose-based composites. The reported findings of researchers in Southeast Asia about the processing, properties and apphcation of composites made of commonlyused cellulose-based fibers such as sisal, flax, hemp, ramie, jute, kenaf, etc., are discussed along with many kinds of cellulose-based fibers of interest which have not been reported elsewhere. This chapter is a combination of reviews on some unique ceUulose-based polymer composites in Southeast Asia together with a report on the research conducted by the authors. 

Keywords Cellulose-based, polymer, composite. Southeast Asia 

Vijay Kumar Thakur (Ed.). Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites, (41-62) 2015 Scrivener Publishing LLC 

Roesler et al. (2006) characterize composite materials by the following properties  

These properties, however, caimot be used as a definition for composites in further developments. Some of the new composites (e.g., in nanotechnology) do not posses some of these listed properties. 

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Research on Cellulose-Based Polymer Composites in Southeast Asia 43... 

Like other tropical countries, there are areas of biodiversity in Southeast Asian countries. There is a large variety of species living in the area. Hence, there are many unique species that cannot be found in other places like four-season countries. This situation leads to a greater interest of researchers in Southeast Asia to explore many kinds of natural material resources, including cellulose-based materials. In this chapter, a review of some of the research on imique cellulose-based polymer composites in Southeast Asian countries is presented. The discussed resources include sugar palm... 

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