After bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical and polymer engineering, Vikas Mittal joined the Polymer Chemistry group of Professor U. W. Suter at the Department of Materials at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH, Zurich. He there worked for his doctoral degree with a focus on surface chemistry and polymer nanocomposites. He also jointly worked with Professor M. Morbidelli at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences on the synthesis of functional polymer latex particles with thermally reversible behaviors. After completion of his doctoral research, he joined the Active and Intelligent Coatings section of Sun Chemical Group Europe in London. He later joined as Polymer Engineer at BASF Polymer Research in Ludwigshafen, Germany where he has been working to date as laboratory manager responsible for the physical analysis of organic and inorganic colloids.

• 1. Bio-Nanocomposites: Future High Value Materials ; 2. Biodegradation of Polymeric Systems ; 3. Biodegradable Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanocomposites with Layered Silicates ; 4. Bio-Nanocomposites with Non-Cellulosic Biofillers ; 5. Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites ; 6. Biodegradable Nanocomposites from Cellulosic Plastics and Cellulosic Fiber ; 7. Silica/Alginate Bio-Nanocomposites ; 8. Bio-based Elastomers from Soyoil and Nanoclay ; 9. Gelatine Based Bionanocomposites ; 10. Bio-Nanocomposites Based on Starch ; 11. Soy Protein Based Polymer Nanocomposites ; 12. Biodegradable Nanocomposites Based on Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) ; 13. Bio-Nanocomposites using Bio-Based Epoxy Resins ; 14. Bio-Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications ; 15. Conductive Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Sensors ; 16. Commercial Aspects Associated with Bionanocomposites

The importance of biodegradable nanomaterials has become obvious as investigators seek to apply nanotechnology to biological, environmental and other similar applications. This book is the first that deals exclusively and comprehensively with biodegradable nanocomposites covering a broad range of materials from gelatin-based systems to nanoclay to biopolymers. The book will provide a broad and lasting impact on the nanotechnology community and will be important not only as a resource but also as a classroom textbook.