This timely book presents an unbiased review of biodegradable synthetic polymers and polymers from renewable resources. It examines the state-of-the-art in commodity plastics degradation and disposal, and the greater utilization of agricultural polymers in industrial applications. Biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical degradation are addressed and various uses for agricultural polymers are explored, including synthesis of rubber from guayule rubber;
modification of lignocellulosic fibers to produce high performance composites; modification of cellulose as liquid crystals; and specialty starches for use in the paper industry.