Automotive Plastics and Composites: Materials and Processing is an essential guide to the use of plastic and polymer composites in automotive applications, whether in the exterior, interior, under-the-hood, or powertrain, with a focus on materials, properties, and processing. The book begins by introducing plastics and polymers for the automotive industry, discussing polymer materials and structures, mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, rheology, and flow analysis. In the second part of the book, each chapter is dedicated to a category of material, and considers the manufacture, processing, properties, shrinkage, and possible applications, in each case. Two chapters on polymer processing provide detailed information on both closed-mold and open-mold processing. The final chapters explain other key aspects, such as recycling and sustainability, design principles, tooling, and future trends. This book is an ideal reference for plastics engineers, product designers, technicians, scientists, and R&D professionals who are looking to develop materials, components, or products for automotive applications. The book also intends to guide researchers, scientists, and advanced students in plastics engineering, polymer processing, and materials science and engineering.

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.

Nanomedicine explores the modification and enhancement of the properties and performances of typical drugs to treat various diseases. Nano-based medicines have advantages in several ways, such as in nanotherapeutics, nanotheranostics, and nanodiagnostics. Nanomedicine Manufacturing and Applications effectively explores the major manufacturing techniques and applications of nanomaterial-based medicine in the areas of chemotherapy, biochips, insulin pumps, and other treatment methods. This book explains how nanomedicines are developed from nanoparticles as well as their biomedical and other applications related to healthcare. This book is an important reference source for nanoscientists, biomaterials scientists, and biomedical engineers who want to learn more about how nano-based medicines are made and used.

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.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hybrid Materials: Fundamentals and Applications introduces the principles, properties, and emerging applications of this important materials system. The hybridization of magnetic nanoparticles with metals, metal oxides and semiconducting nanoparticles may result in superior properties. The book reviews the most relevant hybrid materials, their mechanisms and properties. Then, the book focuses on the rational design, controlled synthesis, advanced characterizations and in-depth understanding of structure-property relationships. The last part addresses the promising applications of hybrid nanomaterials in the real world such as in the environment, energy, medicine fields. Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hybrid Materials: Fundamentals and Applications comprehensively reviews both the theoretical and experimental approaches used to rapidly advance nanomaterials that could result in new technologies that impact day-to-day life and society in key areas such as health and the environment. It is suitable for researchers and practitioners who are materials scientists and engineers, chemists or physicists in academia and R&D.

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.

Processing Technology for Bio-Based Polymers: Advanced Strategies and Practical Aspects brings together the latest advances and novel technologies surrounding the synthesis and manufacture of biopolymers, ranging from bio-based polymers to synthetic polymers from bio-derived monomers. Sections examine bio-based polymer chemistry, discuss polymerization process and emerging design technologies, cover manufacturing and processing approaches, explain cutting-edge approaches and innovative applications, and focus on biomedicals and other key application areas. Final chapters provide detailed discussion and an analysis of economic and environmental concerns, practical considerations, challenges, opportunities and future trends. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students in polymer science, bio-based materials, nanomaterials, plastics engineering, biomaterials, chemistry, biotechnology, and materials science and engineering, as well as R&D professionals, engineers and industrialists interested in the development of biopolymers for advanced products and applications.

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.

Polymer-Based Advanced Functional Composites for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications explains how polymer-based smart composites and nanocomposites can be prepared and utilized for novel optical, sensor and energy-related applications. The book begins with an introductory section on the fundamentals of smart polymer composites, including structure-property relationships and conjugated polymers. Other sections examine optical applications, including the use of polymer-based smart composites for luminescent solar concentrators, electro-chromic applications, light conversion applications, ultraviolet shielding applications, LED encapsulation applications, sensor applications, including gas-sensing, strain sensing, robotics and tactile sensors, with final sections covering energy-related applications, including energy harvesting, conversion, storage, vibrational energy harvesting, and more. This is an essential guide for researchers, scientists and advanced students in smart polymers and materials, polymer science, composites, nanocomposites, electronics and materials science. It is also a valuable book for scientists, R&D professionals and engineers working with products that could utilize smart polymer composites.

Thermoelectricity and Advanced Thermoelectric Materials reviews emerging thermoelectric materials, including skutterudites, clathrates, and half-Heusler alloys. In addition, the book discusses a number of oxides and silicides that have promising thermoelectric properties. Because 2D materials with high figures of merit have emerged as promising candidates for thermoelectric applications, this book presents an updated introduction to the field of thermoelectric materials, including recent advances in materials synthesis, device modeling, and design. Finally, the book addresses the theoretical difficulties and methodologies of computing the thermoelectric properties of materials that can be used to understand and predict highly efficient thermoelectric materials. This book is a key reference for materials scientists, physicists, and engineers in energy.

Waste and By-Products in Cement-Based Materials: Innovative Sustainable Materials for a Circular Economy covers various recycled materials, by-products and wastes that are suitable for the manufacture of materials within the spectrum of so-called cement-based materials (CBM). Sections cover wastes for replacement of aggregates in CBM, focus on the application of wastes for the replacement of clinker and mineral additions in the manufacture of binders, discuss the optimization process surrounding the manufacture of recycled concrete and mortars, multi-recycling, advanced radiological studies, optimization of self-compacting concrete, rheology properties, corrosion prevention, and more. Final sections includes a review of real-scale applications that have been made in recent years of cement-based materials in roads, railway superstructures, buildings and civil works, among others, as well as a proposal of new regulations to promote the use of waste in the manufacture of CBM.

Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like objects described by localized solutions of non-linear partial differential equations. Up until a few decades ago, it was believed that magnetic skyrmions only existed in condensed matter as short-term excitations that would quickly collapse into linear singularities. The contrary was proven theoretically in 1989 and evidentially in 2009. It is now known that skyrmions can exist as long-living metastable configurations in low-symmetry condensed matter systems with broken mirror symmetry, increasing the potential applications possible. Magnetic Skyrmions and their Applications delves into the fundamental principles and most recent research and developments surrounding these unique magnetic particles. Despite achievements in the synthesis of systems stabilizing chiral magnetic skyrmions and the variety of experimental investigations and numerical calculations, there have not been many summaries of the fundamental physical principles governing magnetic skyrmions or integrating those concepts with methods of detection, characterization and potential applications. Magnetic Skyrmions and their Applications delivers a coherent, state-of-the-art discussion on the current knowledge and potential applications of magnetic skyrmions in magnetic materials and device applications. First the book reviews key concepts such as topology, magnetism and materials for magnetic skyrmions. Then, charactization methods, physical mechanisms, and emerging applications are discussed.

Polysaccharide-Based Nanocomposites for Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering presents quantitative background on new polysaccharide nanocomposites in a clear and logical way, highlighting the most exciting applications in gene delivery and tissue engineering and their progress. The book focuses on the different types of polysaccharide nanocomposites for gene delivery and tissue engineering and covers polysaccharide hydrogels for tissue engineering and polysaccharide magnetic nanocomposites for gene delivery. Chapters cover various nanocomposites presented in twenty-one separate chapters. This book will be of great interest to all those researching the development and applications of polysaccharide-based nanocomposites for modeling. As polysaccharide-based nanocomposites promise cutting-edge applications in gene delivery and tissue engineering, with their development at the forefront of modern medicine, this book is a welcome title on this exciting science.

Bionanocomposites in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine explores novel uses of these in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This book offers an interdisplinary approach, combining chemical, biomedical engineering, materials science and pharmacological aspects of the characterization, synthesis and application of bionanocomposites. Chapters cover a broad selection of bionanocomposites including chitosan, alginate and more, which are utilized in tissue engineering, wound healing, bone repair, drug formulation, cancer therapy, drug delivery, cartilage regeneration and dental implants. Additional sections of Bionanocomposites in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine discuss, in detail, the safety aspects and circular economy of bionanocomposites - offering an insight into the commercial and industrial aspects of these important materials. Bionanocomposites in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine will prove a highly useful text for for those in the fields of biomedical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutics and materials science, both in academia and industrial R&D groups.

Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Combination Drugs focuses on the role of nanocarriers in the delivery of combination drugs for the management and treatment of various diseases. Nanocarriers belonging to the category of polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipidic nanocarriers (like nanoemulsions), liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers are now being used in the drug delivery of combination drugs. This book helps readers assimilate all the information available surrounding the application of various nanocarrier technologies for the delivery of combination drugs of synthetic and natural origin, including small and large molecules. This is an important reference source for pharmaceutical scientists and biomaterials scientists who are looking to gain an increased understanding on how nanotechnology is improving the efficiency of combination drug delivery.

Biogenic Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics outlines the synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles to become cancer theranostic agents. The book also discusses their cellular interaction and uptake, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, drug delivery efficiency, and other biological effects. Additionally, the book explores the mechanism of their penetration in cancerous tissue, its clearance, and its metabolism. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo toxicological effects of biogenic nanoparticles are discussed. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and biomedical scientists who are looking to increase their understanding of how biogenic nanoparticles are being used for a range of cancer treatment types. Metal nanoparticles have traditionally been synthesized by classical physico-chemical methods which have many drawbacks, such as high energy demand, high cost and potential ecotoxicity. As a result, the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is gaining increasing prominence. Biosynthesis approaches to metal nanoparticles are clean, safe, energy efficient and environment friendly.

Quantum dots (QDs) are hybrid organic/inorganic nanoparticles with novel physical properties. QDs have two components: an inorganic core and an optically active coated shell. Moreover, surface coatings can be applied to QDs to modify the particle as needed for experiments. Hydrophilic coatings prevent leaking of metal cargo from the core, enhancing the solubility in biological contexts and bind molecules, such as receptor-ligands, antibodies, therapeutic, and diagnostic macromolecules for enhanced effects. Their high surface-to-volume ratio allows multiple functional groups to attach onto the surface of the particles at constant surface volume. Silicon-, gallium-, indium-, or germanium-based; cadmium-based; and carbon-based QDs have already been used in many applications, such as imaging probes for the engineering of multifunctional nanodevices. Superior properties of QDs make them an excellent system in technology and biotechnology. This book describes electroanalytical applications of QD-based nanobiosensors, including brief information about the synthesis and characterization of QDs and basics of electroanalytical methods, followed by QDs in electrochemical biomimetic sensors, QDs in microchips, inorganic materials doped QDs, QD-based electrochemical DNA biosensors, electroluminescence for biomarker analysis using aptamer-based QDs, QD-based photoelectrochemical techniques, enzyme-based nanobiosensors using QDs, QD-based electrochemical immunosensors, and QD-modified nanosensors in drug analysis.

Civil Engineering Materials: From Theory to Practice presents the state-of-the-art in civil engineering materials, including the fundamental theory of materials needed for civil engineering projects and unique insights from decades of large-scale construction in China. The title includes the latest advances in new materials and techniques for civil engineering, showing the relationship between composition, structure and properties, and covering ultra-high-performance concrete and self-compacting concrete developed in China. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the most commonly used, most advanced materials for use in civil engineering. This volume consists of eight chapters covering the fundamentals of materials, inorganic cementing materials, Portland cement concrete, bricks, blocks and building mortar, metal, wood, asphalt and polymers.

During earthquakes, masonry buildings are the most affected, and consequently, damage to these buildings leads to massive loss of life and property. Masonry buildings comprise probably the greatest share of overall housing stock, and in turn, understanding their performance during earthquakes is a pivotal problem in seismic regions. Masonry Construction in Active Seismic Regions presents details on the kinds of masonry building found in seismic regions of the world. The title describes interventions, such as retrofitted solutions, dynamic identification, and improved construction after earthquakes, that are equally applicable to regions of moderate and high seismicity. The book covers representative masonry buildings from active seismic regions, the material properties of masonry construction, numerical modelling techniques and computational advances, seismic performance of non-engineered masonry buildings, resilience in typical construction, retrofitting, and the cultural values and structural characterization of heritage masonry buildings in active seismic regions. This book is unique in its global and systematic coverage of masonry construction in seismic regions.