Foamability of Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials presents a cutting-edge approach to thermoplastic polymeric foams, drawing on the latest research and guiding the reader through the fundamental science, foamability, structure-property-processing relationship, multi-phase polymeric materials, degradation characteristics of biodegradable foams and advanced applications. Sections provide detailed information on foam manufacturing technologies and the fundamental science behind foaming, present insights on the factors affecting foamability, cover ways of enhancing the foamability of various polymeric materials, with special focus on multi-phase systems, discuss the degradation of biodegradable foams and special morphology development for scaffolds, packaging, acoustic and super-insulation applications, as well as cell seeding studies in scaffolds. Each application has specific requirements in terms of desired properties. This in-depth coverage and analysis helps those looking to move forward with microcellular processing and polymer foaming. This is an ideal resource for researchers, advanced students and professionals interested in the microcellular processing of polymeric materials in the areas of polymer foaming, polymer processing, plastics engineering and materials science.

Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems: Pharmaceutical, Clinical, and Regulatory Aspects offers a comprehensive overview of the technical, clinical, regulatory and industrial perspectives on these drug delivery systems. The book follows a sequential order, beginning with the current technical state-of-the-field and moving on to more clinical, industrial and regulatory topics. Opening chapters describe the current needs and potential applications of implantable and long-acting therapeutic approaches. The book goes on to describe established and novel long-acting systems, with a focus on the materials used to prepare these systems and their biocompatibility. Importantly, applied topics such as scale-up manufacturing, products under clinical trials and regulatory aspects are covered, offering the reader a holistic view of this rapidly growing field.

Developments in data acquisition technologies, digital information and analysis, automated construction processes, and advanced materials and products have finally started to move the construction industry - traditionally reluctant to innovation and slow in adopting new technologies - toward a new era. Massive changes are occurring because of the possibilities created by Building information modeling, Extended reality, Internet of Things, Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, Big data, Nanotechnology, 3D printing, and other advanced technologies, which are strongly interconnected and are driving the capabilities for much more efficient construction at scale. Construction 4.0: Advanced Technology, Tools and Materials for the Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry provides readers with a state-of-the-art review of the ongoing digital transformation of the sector within the new 4.0 framework, presenting a thorough investigation of the emerging trends, technologies, and strategies in the fields of smart building design, construction, and operation and providing a comprehensive guideline on how to exploit the new possibilities offered by the digital revolution. It will be an essential reference resource for academic researchers, material scientists and civil engineers, undergraduate and graduate students, and other professionals working in the field of smart ecoefficient construction and cutting-edge technologies applied to construction.

Composite Laminated: Theories and Their Applications presents the latest methods for analyzing composite laminates and their applications. The title introduces the most important analytical methods in use today, focusing on fracture, damage, multi-physics and sensitivity analysis. Alongside these methods, it presents original research carried out over two decades on laminated composite structures and gives detailed coverage of laminate theories, analytic solutions and finite element models. Specific chapters cover An introduction to composites, Elasticity, Shear, State space theory, Layerwise theories, The extended layerwise method, Fracture and damage mechanics, Multi-physical fracture problems, Analytical methods of stiffened sandwich structures, Progressive failure analysis, and more. This volume offers a comprehensive guide to the state-of-the-art in the analysis and applications of composite laminates, which play a critical role in all types of engineering, from aerospace to subsea structures, including in medical prosthetics, circuit boards and sports equipment.

The residual stress is a common phenomenon in composite materials. They can either add to or significantly reduce material strength. Because of the increasing demand for high-strength, lightweight materials such as composites and their wide range of applications; it is critical that the residual stresses of composite materials are understood and measured correctly. The first edition of this book consists of thirteen chapters divided into two parts. The first part reviews destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for measuring residual stresses. There are also additional chapters on using mathematical (analytical and numerical) methods for the calculation of residual stresses in composite materials. These include the simulated hole drilling method, the slitting/crack compliance method, measuring residual stresses in homogeneous and composite glass materials using photoelastic techniques, and modeling residual stresses in composite materials. The second part of the book discusses measuring residual stresses in different types of composites including polymer and metal matrix composites. The addition of nanoparticles to the matrix of polymeric composites as a new technique for the reduction of residual stresses is also discussed. In the Second Edition of this book, each of the original chapters of the first edition has been fully updated, taking into account the latest research and new developments. There are also five new chapters on the theoretical and experimental studies of residual stresses in the composite integrated circuits; residual stresses in additive manufacturing of polymers and polymer matrix composites; residual stresses in metal matrix composites fabricated by additive manufacturing; the eigenstrain based method for the incremental hole-drilling technique; and the estimation of residual stresses in polymer matrix composites using the digital image correlation technique. Residual Stresses in Composite Materials, Second Edition, provides a unique and comprehensive overview of this important topic and is an invaluable reference text for both academics and professionals working in the mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace, automotive, marine, and sporting industries.

Structured Light for Optical Communication highlights principles and applications in the rapidly evolving field of structured light in wide-ranging contexts, from classical forms of communication to new frontiers of quantum communication. Besides the basic principles and applications, the book covers the background of structured light in its most common forms, as well as state-of-the-art developments. Structured light has been hailed as affording outstanding prospects for the realization of high bandwidth communication, enhanced tools for more highly secure cryptography, and exciting opportunities for providing a reliable platform for quantum computing. This book is a valuable resource for graduate students and other active researchers, as well as others who may be interested in learning about this cutting-edge research field.

Green Biocomposites for Biomedical Engineering: Design, Properties, and Applications combines emergent research outcomes with fundamental theoretical concepts relevant to processing, properties and applications of advanced green composites in the field of biomedical engineering. The book outlines the design elements and characterization of biocomposites, highlighting each class of biocomposite separately. A broad range of biomedical applications for biocomposites is then covered, with a final section discussing the ethics and safety regulations associated with manufacturing and the use of biocomposites. With contributions from eminent editors and recognized authors around the world, this book is a vital reference for researchers in biomedical engineering, materials science and environmental science, both in industry and academia.

Advancements in Intelligent Gas Metal Arc Welding Systems: Fundamentals and Applications presents the latest on gas metal arc welding which plays a significant role in modern manufacturing industries and accounts for about 70% of welding processes. The importance of advancements in GMAW cannot be underestimated as they can lead to more efficient production strategies, resource savings and quality improvements. This book provides an overview of various aspects associated with GMAW, starting from the theoretical basis and ending with characteristics of industrial applications and control methods. Additional sections cover processes associated with welding and welding control, such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and others.

The Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management summarizes key research trends in recycling and reusing concrete and industrial waste to reduce their environmental impact. This volume also includes important contributions in collaboration with the CRI-TEST Innovation Lab, Naples - Acerra. Part one discusses eco-friendly innovative cement and concrete and reviews key substitute materials. Part two analyzes the use of industrial waste as aggregates and the mechanical properties of concrete containing waste materials. Part three discusses differences between innovative binders, focusing on alkali-activated and geopolymer concrete. Part four provides a thorough overview of the life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete containing industrial wastes and the impacts related to the logistics of wastes, the production of the concrete, and the management of industrial wastes. By providing research examples, case studies, and practical strategies, this book is a state-of-the-art reference for researchers working in construction materials, civil or structural engineering, and engineers working in the industry.

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Civil Engineering Structures at Multiple Scales: From Single Buildings to Large-Scale Assessment provides an integrated, multiscale platform for fundamental and applied studies on the seismic vulnerability assessment of civil engineering structures, including buildings with different materials and building typologies. The book shows how various outputs obtained from different scales and layers of assessment (from building scale to the urban area) can be used to outline and implement effective risk mitigation, response and recovery strategies. In addition, it highlights how significant advances in earthquake engineering research have been achieved with the rise of new technologies and techniques. The wide variety of construction and structural systems associated with the complex behavior of their materials significantly limits the application of current codes and building standards to the existing building stock, hence this book is a welcomed guide on new construction standards and practices.

Self-Healing Materials: Principles and Technology, Second Edition provides engineers and researchers in both industry and academia the information they need to deploy self-healing technology in a range of potential applications, from adhesives to the automotive industry, and from electronics to biomedical implants. Sections discuss the principal mechanisms of self-healing and how these are applied to the development of materials that have the ability to repair themselves, either with minimal or no human intervention. In addition, the book provides a theoretical background and a review of the major research undertaken to date, providing a thorough grounding in this concept and related technology. Other sections compare the parameters of different self-healing technological processes, such as fault detection mechanisms, methods of triggering and turning off the healing processes, the activation energy of self-healing processes, the means and methods of delivery of the healing substances to the defect locations, self-healing timescale (rate of self-healing), and the extent of self-healing (healing efficiency, recovery of properties, etc.). In addition, mathematical modeling of the processes of self-healing (molecular dynamics simulation), the morphology of healed areas, and other important topics are thoroughly discussed.

Plant and Algal Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine offers a materials-focused and systematic overview of biopolymeric hydrogels utilized for biomedical applications. The book details the synthesis and characterization of plant and algal-based hydrogels, with each chapter addressing a separate polysaccharide hydrogel type. Specific applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine are also discussed, highlighting the efficacy, biocompatibility, benefits and challenges for each polysaccharide hydrogel subtype. There is increasing demand for biomaterials which reduce/prevent the host response, inflammation and rejection, hence this book provides a timely resource. Biopolymeric hydrogels have skyrocketed because of their necessity in in vivo applications. They create an environment similar to living tissue, which is both biocompatible and biodegradable. Plant and algal polysaccharides in particular are well-equipped with functional groups that are easily modified for beneficial results.

Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells focuses on the use of nanotechnology in macroscopic and nanosized fuel cells to enhance their performance and lifespan. The book covers the fundamental design concepts and promising applications of nanotechnology-enhanced fuel cells and their advantages over traditional fuel cells in portable devices, including longer shelf life and lower cost. In the case of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), nano-membranes could provide 100 times higher conductivity of hydrogen ions in low humidity conditions than traditional membranes. For hydrogen fuel cell, nanocatalysts (Pt hybrid nanoparticles) could provide 12 times higher catalytic activity. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient macro- and nanosized fuel cells.

Elastomer Blends and Composites: Principles, Characterization, Advances, and Applications presents the latest developments in natural rubber and synthetic rubber-based blends and nanocomposites, with a focus on current trends, future directions and state-of-the-art applications. The book introduces the fundamentals of natural rubber and synthetic rubbers, outlining synthesis, structure, properties, challenges and potential applications. This is followed by detailed coverage of compounding and formulations, manufacturing methods, and preparation of elastomer-based blends, composites, and nanocomposites. The next section of the book focuses on properties and characterization, examining elasticity, spectroscopy, barrier properties, and rheological, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic behavior, and more. This is a highly valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in rubber (or elastomer) science, polymer blends, composites, polymer science, and materials science and engineering, as well as engineers, technologists, and scientists working with rubber-based materials for advanced applications.

Polymer Hybrid Materials and Composites: Fundamentals and Applications presents an introduction to the principles behind polymeric hybrid materials, providing both theoretical and practical information on the synthesis and application of these materials. It documents the latest innovations, ranging from materials development and characterization of properties, to applications. Sections cover the route from laboratory to industry, providing practical, actionable guidance to assist the scaling up process for applications in areas including energy technology, solar cells, water purification, medical devices, optical and electrical devices, and more. It is an essential introduction to the emerging technologies that are made possible by these advanced materials.

Fundamentals and Properties of Multifunctional Nanomaterials outlines the properties of highly intricate nanosystems, including liquid crystalline nanomaterials, magnetic nanosystems, ferroelectrics, nanomultiferroics, plasmonic nanosystems, carbon-based nanomaterials, 1D and 2D nanomaterials, and bio-nanomaterials. This book reveals the electromagnetic interference shielding properties of nanocomposites. The fundamental attributes of the nanosystems leading to the multifunctional applications in diverse areas are further explored throughout this book. This book is a valuable reference source for researchers in materials science and engineering, as well as in related disciplines, such as chemistry and physics.

Nanomaterials for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells explains nanomaterials and nanocomposites as well as the characterization, manufacturing, and design of alcohol fuel cell applications. The advantages of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are significant for reliable and long-lasting portable power sources used in devices such as mobile phones and computers. Even though substantial improvements have been made in DAFC systems over the last decade, more effort is needed to commercialize DAFCs by producing durable, low-cost, and smaller-sized devices. Nanomaterials have an important role to play in achieving this aim. The use of nanotechnology in DAFCs is vital due to their role in the synthesis of nanocatalysts within the manufacturing process. Lately, nanocatalysts containing carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanocoils have also attracted much attention. When compared to traditional materials, carbon-based materials have unique advantages, such as high corrosion resistance, better electrical conductivity, and less catalyst poisoning. This book also covers different aspects of nanocomposites fabrication, including their preparation, design, and characterization techniques for their fuel cell applications. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers, energy scientists, and electrochemists who are seeking to improve their understanding of how nanomaterials are being used to enhance the efficiency and lower the cost of DAFCs.

Organic Ferroelectric Materials and Applications aims to bring an up-to date account of the field with discussion of recent findings. This book presents an interdisciplinary resource for scientists from both academia and industry on the science and applications of molecular organic piezo- and ferroelectric materials. The book addresses the fundamental science of ferroelectric polymers, molecular crystals, supramolecular networks, and other key and emerging organic materials systems. It touches on important processing and characterization methods and provides an overview of current and emerging applications of organic piezoelectrics and ferroelectrics for electronics, sensors, energy harvesting, and biomedical technologies. Organic Ferroelectric Materials and Applications will be of special interest to those in academia or industry working in materials science, engineering, chemistry, and physics.

In the automotive industry, the need to reduce vehicle weight has given rise to extensive research efforts to develop aluminum and magnesium alloys for structural car body parts. In aerospace, the move toward composite airframe structures urged an increased use of formable titanium alloys. In steel research, there are ongoing efforts to design novel damage-controlled forming processes for a new generation of efficient and reliable lightweight steel components. All these materials, and more, constitute today's research mission for lightweight structures. They provide a fertile materials science research field aiming to achieve a better understanding of the interplay between industrial processing, microstructure development, and the resulting material properties. Advancements in the Processing, Characterization, and Application of Lightweight Materials provides the recent advancements in the lightweight mat materials processing, manufacturing, and characterization. This book identifies the need for modern tools and techniques for designing lightweight materials and addresses multidisciplinary approaches for applying their use. Covering topics such as numerical optimization, fatigue characterization, and process evaluation, this text is an essential resource for materials engineers, manufacturers, practitioners, engineers, academicians, chief research officers, researchers, students, and vice presidents of research in government, industry, and academia.

Green nanomaterials are classed as nanomaterials with no environmentally harmful, toxic, properties. The photocatalysis of nanomaterials involves photo-conduction value in efficient removal/degradation of noxious pollutants. Green nanotechnology has objectives for the development of products and processes which are environmentally friendly, economically sustainable, safe, energy-efficient, and produce little waste or emissions. Such products and processes are based on renewable materials and/or have a low net impact on the environment. Green functionalized nanomaterials, formed by a combination of nanomaterials with natural materials or are derived through a green source, are the new trends in the remediation of pollutants in environmental industries. This has the effect of making photoactive nanomaterials work under UV/sunlight radiation in order to produce reactive radical species that rapidly remove pollutants by redox mechanism. Green Functionalized Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications focuses on recent developments in the area of fabrication of green nanomaterials and their properties. It also looks at ways of lowering the risk of exposure of green functionalized nanomaterials. This needs to be pursued in the future for investigating and assessing health risks, which may be due to exposure to green nanomaterials. It is an important reference source for all those seeking to improve their understanding of how green functionalized nanomaterials are being used in a range of environmental applications, as well as considering potential toxicity implications.

Mechanical and Electro-chemical Interactions under Tribocorrosion: From Measurements to Modelling for Building a Relevant Monitoring Approach looks at progress in the field of tribocorrosion. The work is a result of the efforts of the European tribocorrosion community gathered under the auspices of the European Corrosion Federation (EFC) within WP18 Tribocorrosion. In addition to the handbook, Testing Tribocorrosion of Passivating Materials Supporting Research and industrial Innovation published in 2012, this release describes the latest scientific approaches recognized and validated experimentally to address tribocorrosion. Sections look at the phenomena of coupling through an understanding of the associated mechanisms and how to identify variables. Final sections cover strategies to control and/or extend the life of structures in a multi-process coupling situation and an in-depth description of the current state-of-the-art on modeling approaches of tribocorrosion.