Applications of Polyurethanes in Medical Devices provides detailed coverage of polyurethane (PU) chemistry, processing and preparation for performant medical devices. Polyurethanes have found many uses in medical applications, due to their biocompatibility, biostability, physical properties, surface polarity, and the ability to suit the field of application. This book enables the reader to understand polyurethane and how this valuable material can be used in medical devices. Sections cover the chemistry, structure, and properties of polyurethane, with in-depth sections examining raw materials, reaction chemistry, synthesis techniques, reaction kinetics, material microstructure, and structure-property relationships. Subsequent chapters demonstrate how polyurethane can be utilized in medical device applications, examining biological properties, rheology and processing before methodical coverage explains how polyurethane may be used for each category of medical device. Finally, future directions, and safety and environmental aspects, are covered.

Plant Fibers, their Composites, and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent research into plant fibers, including the synthesis of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites, characterization techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. Plant fibers have generated great interest among material scientists due to their characteristics, which include availability, low cost, biodegradability, easy processability, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, low acoustic properties. They have been proven to be excellent replacements for synthetic fibers and have found applications in advanced polymer composites. Coverage includes every stage of working with plant fibers, including synthesis, processing, characterization, applications, recycling, and life cycle assessment of plant fibers and their composites. Drawing on work from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions across the globe, this is a definitive one-stop reference for anyone working with plant fibers.

Hydrometallurgy: Theory provides the necessary fundamental background to the multidisciplinary field of hydrometallurgy, presenting the tools needed to utilize the theory to quantitatively describe, model and control the unit operations used in hydrometallurgical plants. The book describes the development and operation of processes utilizing hydrometallurgical operations, making it a valuable resource and reference for researchers, academics, students and industry professionals. It focuses on quantitative problem-solving with many worked examples and focused problems based on Nicol's many years of experience in teaching hydrometallurgy to students, researchers and industry professionals.

Sustainable Strategies in Organic Electronics reviews green materials and devices, sustainable processes in electronics, and the reuse, recycling and degradation of devices. Topics addressed include large-scale synthesis and fabrication of safe device materials processes that neither use toxic reagents, solvents or produce toxic by-products. Emerging opportunities such as new synthetic approaches for enabling the commercialization of pi-conjugated polymer-based devices are explored, along with new efforts towards incorporating materials from renewable resources for a low carbon footprint. Finally, the book discusses the latest advances towards device biodegradability and recycling. It is suitable for materials scientists and engineers, chemists, physicists in academia and industry.

Nano-biosorbents for Decontamination of Water, Air, and Soil Pollution explores the properties of nanobiosorbents and their applications in the removal of contaminants from the natural environment. The use of nanobiosorbents for environmental protection is a combinational approach that incorporates nanotechnology with naturally occurring biopolymers that form an amalgamation of nano-biopolymers used as sorbent materials in the removal of a variety of contaminants from wastewaters. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, bioscientists and environmental scientists who are looking to understand how nanobiosorbents are being used for a range of environmental applications.

There is a growing need for better membranes in several emerging application fields especially those related to energy conversion and storage as well as to water treatment and recycling. Processability, is an important functional property, often ignored, especially in the early discovery phase for new materials, but it should be one of the most important properties, that needs to be considered in the development of better membrane materials. Useful membrane materials have to be capable of being formed into thin membranes, in particular for membrane gas separation, water treatment and desalination, and then packaged, into large area membrane modules. All gas separation membranes that are in current commercial use are based on polymers, which are solution-processable. This book intends to deal with composite, in most cases hybrid polymer-based membranes for three separate application fields: energy conversion, energy storage and water treatment and recovery. Each chapter will explain clearly the various membrane processes then go on to discuss in detail the corresponding advanced membranes used. The logic that lies behind this is that you have to understand the process in order to develop new high-performance membranes. By taking this approach, the author aims to overcome the disconnection that currently exists between membrane materials scientists and industrial process engineers.

High Plasticity Magnesium Alloys focuses on the microstructure, mechanical properties and processing methods of magnesium alloy materials. The title offers theory and methods on high-plasticity magnesium alloys, including phase diagram construction, alloying and deformation. Four typical high-plasticity magnesium alloys are discussed through thermodynamic phase diagram construction and the characterization of their microstructure, mechanical properties and texture at as-cast, extruded, rolled and heat-treated states. Chapters update principle calculations for the effects of alloying elements, Mg-Gd-Zr medium strength and high-plasticity alloys, medium strength and high-plasticity Mg-Mn based alloys, medium strength and high-plasticity Mc-Sn based alloys, and Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Mn high-strength and high-plasticity magnesium alloys. This book presents the plasticity of magnesium alloys, and guides the design and development of new high-strength and high-plasticity magnesium alloys. It provides detailed solutions for practicing industrial engineers.

Electrochemical Sensors: From Working Electrodes to Functionalization and Miniaturized Devices provides an overview of the materials, preparation and fabrication methods for biosensor applications. The book introduces the field of electrochemistry and its fundamentals, also providing a practical overview of working electrodes as key components for the implementation of sensors and assays. Features covered include the prompt transfer of electrons, favorable redox behavior, biocompatibility, and inertness in terms of electrode fouling. Special attention is dedicated to analyzing the various working materials systems for electrodes used in electrochemical cells such as gold, carbon, copper, platinum and metal oxides. This book is suitable for academics and practitioners working in the disciplines of materials science and engineering, analytical chemistry and biomedical engineering.

Biomedical Product and Materials Evaluation: Standards and Ethics provides a much-needed overview of the procedures, issues, standards and ethical issues in the early development of biomedical products. The book covers a range of key biomedical products, from 3D printed organs and blood derived products, to stem calls and decellularized tissue products. Each chapter reviews a single product type, associated materials, biomedical applications, proven development strategies, and potential challenges. The core focus of the book is on the standardization and ethical aspects of biomedical product development, with these elements addressed and discussed in chapters dedicated to product evaluation. This is a useful reference for academics, researchers and industry professionals in R&D groups with an interest in biomaterial research and production, as well as those working in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology and toxicology.

Bionanomaterials are identified as a perfect replacement, in the quest for the search of an alternative to toxic conventional nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Bionanomaterials are the nanomaterials, that are fabricated via biomolecules or encapsulate or immobilize a conventional nanomaterial with a biomolecule. The biomolecules extracted from the microbes, plants, agricultural wastes, insects, marine organisms and certain animals are used for the formation of bionanomaterials. These bionanomaterials exhibited low or negligible toxicity towards humans, other organisms and the environment with enhanced biocompatibility, bioavailability and bioreactivity. Thus, the aim of this book is to provide an overview of various bionanomaterials, their synthesis, characterization and their application-oriented properties. The book is divided into two parts - Part 1 discusses about the bionanomaterials of exclusive natural origin, self-assembled bionanomaterials and their environmental application and Part 2 focuses on applications of distinct bionanomaterials in biomedical sciences. The 'Chapter 1 - Bionanomaterials: Definitions, sources, types, properties, market, toxicity and regulations' aims to provide an extensive overview of bionanomaterials, their definitions, sources, types and their properties. In addition, the toxicity of bionanomaterials and their regulations implied in recent times were also discussed. 'Chapter 2 - Nature inspired bionanomaterials' highlights different types of nature-inspired biosynthesized nanomaterials and their green synthesis methods, as well as some of their emerging applications, especially in the fields of nanomedicine, cosmetics, drug delivery, molecular imaging, and catalytic precursors. Further, the chapter also covers different types of bionanomaterials (e.g., viruses, protein cages, and phages) and highlights their unique properties and potential applications. 'Chapter 3 - Culinary spices mediated biogenesis of nanoparticles for cancer and diabetes treatment' deals with bionanomaterials synthesized by using extracts of culinary spices and its vital role in the treatment of distinct types of cancer and diabetes. In 'Chapter 4 - Environment friendly superhydrophobic bioactive nanocoatings', the authors have discussed the basics of exceptional water repellence behaviour and recent developments in the area of bioactive-SHC for various applications. In addition, the current and projected requirements for bioactive-SHC were also addressed. The authors of 'Chapter 5 - Self-assembly of nanobionics: from theory to application' reviewed, discussed, addressed and highlighted the recent advancements in bionics as an interdisciplinary field to understand the bionic materials and particles, that are mainly fabricated via self-assembly approach. In part 2, the 'Chapter 6 - Inorganic bionanomaterials for biomedical applications' provides an overview of inorganic bionanomaterials, its distinct types, synthesis procedures, properties and characteristics, which is essential for desired applications. 'Chapter 7 - Polymer nanomaterials for biomedical applications' is a comprehensive review of various polymer nanocomposite types, and further describes the synthesis, preparation, structure and biomedical application of nanocomposites. In addition, the recent developments in the field of polymer nanocomposites for biomedical applications were also discussed. 'Chapter 8 - Lignin nanoparticles and their biomedical applications' aims in highlighting the current trends in lignin nanoparticle depolymerization approach, focusing on microbial lignin degradation, optimization, and its biomedical applications. The authors of 'Chapter 9 - Polymer-based nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery' addressed the use of polymeric bionanomaterials, including hydrogels, electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds, nanocellulose, and carbohydrate nanocarriers with special emphasis to their material properties, fabrication technologies and applicability in specific targeted anatomical sites. Moreover, 'Chapter 10 - Cationic nanoparticles for treatment of neurological diseases' discusses about brain disorders, the role of nutraceuticals, mechanisms, delivery challenges, as well as formulation techniques and prospects of cationic nanoparticles in the therapeutic management of neuronal disorders, i.e., brain as site of drug target. Besides, 'Chapter 11 - Carbon nanomaterials for therapeutic applications' has highlighted the cutting-edge properties, mechanism of action, and advancements of carbon nanomaterials as drug delivery system in various diseases, such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Further, the chapter also sheds light on the potential challenges, limitations, and future outlook for improving and growing carbon-based bionanomaterials. The final chapter 'Chapter 12 - Liposomal bionanomaterials for nucleic acid delivery' is a brief summary of various nucleic acid-based cationic liposomes as a potential bionanomaterial and its recent progress in the application of therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. We hope that this book will enlighten undergraduates, graduates, and industrial as well as academic researchers on the synthesis, characterization and property-oriented applications of certain exclusive bionanomaterials.

Nanomaterials for Electrocatalysis provides an overview of the different types of nanomaterials, design principles and synthesis protocols used for electrocatalytic reactions. The book is divided into four parts that thoroughly describe basic principles and fundamental of electrocatalysis, different types of nanomaterials used, and their electrocatalytic applications, limitations and future perspectives. As electrochemical systems containing nanomaterials, with relevance to experimental situation, yield better results, this book highlights new information and findings.

Micro- and Nanoengineered Gum-Based Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications focuses on micro- and nanotechnology in gums and biopolymers as drug and biomolecule carriers and their applications in biomedicine. Currently, natural gums and polymers are widely utilized as biocarrier systems, to deliver drugs and biomolecules to the target site, for prolonged release and the desired therapeutic effect. Natural gums and polymers are important because they are easily available from natural sources and are characteristically biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic. Natural gums and polymers are also chemically modified with other polymers, in the presence of cross-linking agents, to develop scaffolds, matrices, composites, and interpenetrating polymer networks using micro- and nanotechnology. The book also discusses biological applications, such as gene delivery, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, bioimaging, and theranostics. This book is an important reference source for biomaterials scientists, biomedical engineers, and pharmaceutical scientists, who are looking to increase their understanding of how micro- and nanoengineered biomaterials are being used to create more efficient gum-based drug delivery systems.

Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications provides fundamental information on recent developments in this important field of research. The book comprehensively summarizes recent technical research accomplishments in bionanocomposites for food packaging applications. It discusses various aspects of green and sustainable bionanocomposites from the point-of-view of chemistry and engineering. Key chapters include methods of fabrication, processing and advanced production techniques, characterization, PLA, PCL, PGA, Poly (butylene succinate), Chitosan, Starch, Cellulose, PHAs, PHB, Carrageenan, Lignin and Protein-based bionanocomposites for food packaging applications. In addition, the book highlights lifecycle analysis and impacts on health and the environment. Modern technologies for processing and strategies for improving performance, such as biodegradability and permeability, both of which are key factors to achieve environmentally friendly alternatives to more traditional plastic materials are also included.

Graphene Oxide-Metal Oxide and other Graphene Oxide-Based Composites in Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis reflects on recent progress and challenges in graphene-metal oxide composites. The book reviews synthetic strategies, characterization methods and applications in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Graphene-metal oxides, graphene-novel metals and other composites intended for sustainable energy production, energy storage, and environmental development such as H2 production, CO2 reduction, pollutant removal, supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries are covered. Overall, this book presents a comprehensive, systematic, and up-to-date summary on graphene oxide-based materials. Graphene oxide and related composite materials bring new perspectives and prospects to both photocatalysts and electrocatalysts. The collective and synergistic effect between graphene oxide and metal oxide are manifold. The significance of the relationship among these groups of materials, their structures and performance is emphasized.

Conjugated Polymers for Next-Generation Applications, Volume One: Synthesis, Properties and Optoelectrochemical Devices describes the synthesis and characterization of varied conjugated polymeric materials and their key applications, including active electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion batteries, along with new ideas of functional materials for next-generation high-energy batteries, a discussion of common design procedures, and the pros and cons of conjugated polymers for certain applications. The book's emphasis lies in the underlying electronic properties of conjugated polymers, their characterization and analysis, and the evaluation of their effectiveness for utilization in energy and electronics applications. This book is ideal for researchers and practitioners in the area of materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering.

Conjugated Polymers for Next-Generation Applications, Volume Two: Energy Storage Devices describes the synthesis and characterization of varied conjugated polymeric materials and their key applications, including active electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion batteries, along with new ideas of functional materials for next-generation high-energy batteries, a discussion of common design procedures, and the pros and cons of conjugated polymers for certain applications. The book's emphasis lies in the underlying electronic properties of conjugated polymers, their characterization and analysis, and the evaluation of their effectiveness for utilization in energy and electronics applications. This book is ideal for researchers and practitioners in the area of materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering.

Polysaccharide Nanoparticles: Preparation and Biomedical Applications provides detailed information on polysaccharides nanoparticles in terms of their synthesis and applications. Naturally occurring polysaccharides are widely used as food materials, particularly in Asia. Different kinds of polysaccharide materials are available from nature with various resources such as crustaceans and algae. The exploration and exploitation of polysaccharides nanoparticles from natural resource is at the heart of this book, which also explores the synthesis, preparation and applications of polysaccharides nanoparticles for tissue engineering and food applications. This is an important reference for materials scientists and bioengineers who are looking to gain a greater understanding on how polysaccharides nanoparticles are being used for a variety of biomedical applications.

Functionalized Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Sensors: Principles, Fabrication Methods, and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of materials, functionalized interfaces, fabrication strategies and application areas. Special attention is given to the remaining challenges and opportunities for commercial realization of functionalized nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors. An assortment of nanomaterials has been investigated for their incorporation into electrochemical sensors. For example, carbon- based nanomaterials (carbon nanotube, graphene and carbon fiber), noble metals (Au, Ag and Pt), polymers (nafion, polypyrrole) and non-noble metal oxides (Fe2O3, NiO, and Co3O4). The most relevant materials are discussed in the book with an emphasis on their evaluation of their realization in commercial applications. Application areas touched on include the environment, food and medicine industries. Health, safety and regulation considerations are touched on, along with economic and commercialization trends.

Nanocellulose Materials: Fabrication and Industrial Applications focuses on the practices, distribution and applications of cellulose at the nanoscale. The book delivers recent advancements, highlights new perspectives and generic approaches on the rational use of nanocellulose, and includes sustainability advantages over conventional sources towards green and sustainable industrial developments. The topics and sub-topics are framed to cover all key features of cellulose, from extraction to technological evolution. Nanocellulose has great potential due to its versatility and numerous applications, including the potential role of nanocellulose scaffold derivatives towards active involvement in the energy sector, chemical sensing, catalysis, food industry and anti-bacterial coatings towards land, agricultural and aquatic systems.

Nanotechnology in Paper and Wood Engineering: Fundamentals, Challenges and Applications describes recent advances made in the use of nanotechnology in the paper and pulp industry. Various types of nano-additives commonly used in the paper industry for modification of raw material to enhance final products are included, with other sections covering the imaging applications of nano-papers and nano-woods in pharmaceuticals, biocatalysis, photocatalysis and energy storage. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient manufacturing processes in for the paper and wood industries.

Biogenic Sustainable Nanotechnology: Trends and Progress focuses on the green synthesis of nanomaterials with various biological systems, emphasizing the mechanisms of nanomaterial synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations, and applications in a variety of industrial sectors. Interest in developing eco-friendly, green, cost-effective, and facile methods for nanomaterials synthesis is rapidly growing. Green synthesis methods focus on a greener environment, minimizing generated waste, and implementing sustainable processes. As discussed in this book, green nanostructured materials often include phytochemical agent extracts, such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, proteins, amino acids, chromone, steroids, phytol, and terpenoids. These phytochemicals from plant extracts play a crucial role in improving the reduction rate, size, and stabilization, by acting as good reducers, surfactants, structure directors, and capping agents. This book is an essential reference source for materials scientists, bioengineers, and environmental scientists.

Oil Palm Biomass for Composite Panels: Fundamentals, Processing, and Applications explains the preparation and utilization of oil palm biomass for advanced composite panel products. It introduces the fundamentals of oil palm biomass and wood-based panel products, including basic properties, durability, deterioration, and adhesives. It also includes in-depth information on processing and treatments organized by biomass type, covering oil palm trunk and lumber, veneer, empty fruit bunches (EFBs), oil palm fronds, and other sources. Additionally, this book focuses on specific composite panel applications, explaining the utilization of oil palm biomass in specific products. Finally, current policy, economic and environmental factors, and supply considerations are discussed. The information contained in Oil Palm Biomass for Composite Panels will be of interest to researchers, scientists and advanced students in bio-based materials, polymer science, composites, wood science, forestry, and biomass, as well as industrial scientists and product designers working with oil palm biomass, wood-based products, and sustainable materials.

Surface Modified Nanomaterials for Applications in Catalysis: Fundamentals, Methods and Applications provides an overview of the different state-of-the-art surface modification methods of nanomaterials and their commercial applications. The main objective of this book is to comprehensively cover the modification of nanomaterial and their fabrication, including different techniques and discussions of present and emerging commercial applications. The book addresses fundamental chemistry concepts as applied to the modification of nanomaterials for applications in energy, catalysis, water remediation, sensors, and more. Characterization and fabrication methodologies are reviewed, along with the challenges of up-scaling of processes for commercial applications. This book is suitable for academics and practitioners working in materials science, engineering, nanotechnology, green chemistry and chemical engineering.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Nanomaterials: Assessment and Analysis provides an overview of the modulatory impact of nanomaterials on the immune system, as well as evaluative and analytical methods for assessing effects. Sections cover a range of common nanomaterials for biomedical use and how different properties can elicit varied responses from the immune system. The immunomodulatory effects of these materials are then discussed, with coverage on adverse and/or toxic effects on the immune system, as well as desired modulatory effects to improve efficacy of applied therapeutics. Readers will also learn about the best evaluation methods for immunomodulatory effects of nanomaterials and associated risks. This book is a useful reference for academics and researchers with an interest in immunology, but it is also idea for those working in the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science, immunology and toxicology.