Micro and Nanolignin in Aqueous Dispersions and Polymers: Interactions, Properties, and Applications presents the very latest research on lignin biorefinery treatments, production, chemistry, and refining, exploring a range of innovative applications of lignin and lignin-based composites at both the micro and the nanoscale. The book begins by presenting the latest developments in extraction methods and properties, with topics including methods for value-added microlignin, color characteristics, refining and functionalization, depolymerization for phenolic monomer production, and production of sulphur-free lignin nanoparticles. This is followed by in-depth sections focusing on the preparation of lignin for advanced applications at the microscale, then at the nanoscale, covering a range of areas such as construction, fiber manufacturing, food packaging, biomedicine, wood preservation, wastewater treatment, and agriculture. This valuable resource enables the reader to identify the high added value of a biomass residue and supports possible development and use for mass and niche high impact application sectors. This information is of interest to researchers, scientists, and advanced students, across bio-based polymers and bio-composites, polymer science and engineering, nanomaterials, chemistry, sustainable materials, materials science, and chemical engineering. Moreover, it is also addressed to the professionals that as well as those in an R&D industrial setting to are looking on ideas and perspectives on how to utilize bio-based materials in advanced industrial applications.

Synthetic Engineering Materials and Nanotechnology covers the latest research and developments of synthetic processes, materials, applications and technologies. In addition, innovations in synthetic engineering materials techniques are analyzed. Each chapter addresses key concepts, properties and applications of important categories of synthetic materials, including metals alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, oils and foams. Advances in nanomaterials produced by synthetic engineering methods are also considered, including ceramic, carbon, metal oxide, composite, and membrane-derived nanomaterials. The primary synthetic engineering materials techniques covered include thermo-mechanical, chemical, physiochemical, electrochemical, bottom-up, hybrid and biological methods. This book is suitable for early career researchers in academia and R&D in areas such as materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering.

Fundamentals and Recent Advances in Nanocomposites Based on Polymers and Nanocellulose brings together the latest research in cellulose-based nanocomposites, covering fundamentals, processing, properties, performance, applications, and the state of the art. The book begins by explaining the fundamentals of cellulose and cellulose-based nanocomposites, including sources, extraction, types, classification, linkages, model structure, model compounds, and characterization techniques. The second part of the book covers the incorporation of cellulose fillers to improve the properties or characteristics of nanocomposites, organized by composite category, including in aerogels, thermoplastic composites, thermoset composites, bioplastic composites, carbon nanofibers, rubber composites, carbon fibers, and foaming materials. Throughout these chapters, there is an emphasis on the latest innovations and application potential. Finally, applications are explored in more detail, notably focusing on the utilization of nanocellulose in biodegradable composites for biomedical applications, along with other important industrial application areas. This book is of great interest to researchers, scientists, and advanced students working with bio-based materials, and across polymer science, nanomaterials, composite materials, plastics engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, as well as R&D professionals, engineers, and industrialists interested in the development of bio-based materials for advanced applications or material commercialization.

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.

Engineered Polymeric Fibrous Materials explains cutting edge techniques for the engineering of fibrous materials from physical, mechanical, and chemical points of view. Both conventional and nanofibers are described in this uniquely comprehensive book, for a wide range of applications including biomedical, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, energy, and environmental. This book refers to recent advances made in both academia and industry, in topics such as fiber-reinforced composites, fibrous thermal insulators, drug delivery and tissue engineering, and smart textiles and energy, and explains how fibrous structures are engineered to offer new solutions to important problems. The first two chapters provide basic introductory information to allow a wider range of readers to engage with the book.

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.

Multiphase Polylactide Blends: Toward a Sustainable and Green Environment guides the reader through fundamentals, science, preparation, and key areas of innovation in polylactide (PLA) blends. Bio-based polymers, and notably PLA, have not only gained increasing interest as a more sustainable alternative but also bring challenges in terms of mechanical, rheological, thermal and physical properties, processability, shapability, and foamability. The use of blends looks to address these, with the development of new types of economically viable and environmentally friendly systems. This is a valuable book for academic researchers, scientists, and graduate students across bio-based polymers, polymer science, chemistry, and materials science, as well as engineers, R&D professionals, and all those in industry with interest in PLA-based blends, biopolymers, and sustainable materials and products. More specifically, the first three chapters of this book overview the fundamentals of thermoplastic polymers, polymer blends, and structure and properties of PLA. These chapters could technically be used as a valuable textbook on the noted topics. The rest of the chapters inclusively study the fundamentals, investigations, and achievements in PLA-based blends with various types of polymers. These include miscible blends of poly L-lactide and poly D-lactide, binary immiscible/miscible blends of PLA with other thermoplastics and elastomers, PLA-based ternary blends and blend nanocomposites, as well as PLA-based blend foams. Overall, this book provides a thorough and critical overview of the state of the art in PLA-based blends, including significant past and recent advances, with the aim of supporting and shaping further research and industrial application of these materials for the development of a green and sustainable future.

Characterization of Polymers and Fibres addresses an integral part of fiber and polymer manufacturing processes that is crucial in helping manufacturers ensure that final products achieve intended specifications. The characterization of fiber and polymers is needed for attributes including molecular weight, morphology, dyeing behavior, tensile, optical and thermal behavior. This book covers a wide range of characterization techniques, including thermal, X-ray diffraction, solubility, tensile, optical, hygroscopic and particle size distribution. Introductions and definitions are provided where beneficial to make topics accessible to a broad range of readers in both academia and industry. Addressing advances from the fields of bioscience, polymer science, material science, and textile science, this book is wide in scope, drawing on the latest research to provide details of characterization techniques and equipment.

Polymer-Based Separators for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Production, Processing, and Properties takes a detailed, systematic approach to the development of polymer separators for lithium-ion batteries, supporting the reader in selecting materials and processes for high-performance polymer separators with enhanced properties. The book begins by introducing the polymeric materials that may be used for separators, as well as characterization techniques, before presenting the available technologies used to produce separators for use in lithium-ion batteries. Each technology is discussed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen approach, with the properties of the separators made via each technology also summarized and compared in detail. In addition, areas for further development are addressed, and the limitations of current materials and separators in achieving those goals are highlighted. This is a valuable resource for scientists and engineers in the industry who work on polymer-based battery separators, polymers for electronic/energy applications, and new materials and processes for lithium-ion batteries. In academia, this book will be of interest to researchers and advanced students across the fields of polymer science, materials science, electronics, energy, and chemical engineering.

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites: From Synthesis to Applications offers extensive coverage of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and their nanocomposites, including their synthesis, characterization, interfacial interactions and advanced applications. Sections introduce essentials, information on their preparation and discussions on polymeric materials, including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, polymer blends and IPNs. Further sections cover the latest analysis techniques, examine the properties of POSS-polymer nanocomposites, and discuss key application areas, such as biological, energy, defense, and space. Finally, issues surrounding industry implementation and lifecycle are explored. This is a valuable reference for researchers, scientists and advanced students in the areas of polymer composites and nanocomposites, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer science, and materials science and engineering. In an industrial setting, this book will be of great interest to scientists, R&D professionals, and engineers across industries and disciplines.

Adhesive Bonding: Science, Technology and Applications, Second Edition guides the reader through the fundamentals, mechanical properties and applications of adhesive bonding. This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition reflects the many advances that have occurred in recent years. Sections cover the fundamentals of adhesive bonding, explaining how adhesives and sealants work, and how to assess and treat surfaces, how adhesives perform under stress and the factors affecting fatigue and failure, stress analysis, environmental durability, non-destructive testing, impact behavior, fracture mechanics, fatigue, vibration damping, and applications in construction, automotive, marine, footwear, electrical engineering, aerospace, repair, electronics, biomedicine, and bonding of composites. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, this book is an essential resource for industrial engineers, R&D, and scientists working with adhesives and their industrial applications, as well as researchers and advanced students in adhesion, joining, polymer science, materials science and mechanical engineering.

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.

Natural Polymers-Based Green Adsorbents for Water Treatment focuses on the recent development of novel polymeric adsorbents that are green and eco-friendly or biodegradable in nature. The book reviews the synthesis, properties and adsorption applications of natural and green polymer-based adsorbents. It discusses adsorption processes in biopolymer systems, remediation technologies developed to remove environmental pollutants, the usage of natural polymer-based cost-effective and green novel adsorbent materials for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, and the efficiency of functionalized polymers, nanosorbents, hydrogels, composites, graft copolymers in the sorption of various pollutants from the environment as well as from the industrial effluents. Researchers working on environmental remediation need a single book, where all data on natural and green adsorbents for water treatment are discussed comprehensively. Natural Polymers-Based Green Adsorbents for Water Treatment addresses this need by providing world-wide leading experts' observations and research. So, this book is a valuable reference for early-career scientist, academic researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering and material science.

Design and Manufacturing of Plastics Products: Integrating Conventional Methods and Innovative Technologies brings together detailed information on design, materials selection, properties, manufacturing, and the performance of plastic products, incorporating the utilization of the latest novel techniques and additive manufacturing technologies. The book integrates the design of molded products and conventional manufacturing and molding techniques with recent additive manufacturing techniques to produce performant products and cost-effective tools. Key areas of innovation are explained in detail, including hybrid molds, the integration of processing options with product properties and performance, and sustainability factors such as eco-design strategies, recycling, and lifecycle assessment. Other sections cover the development of plastics products, including design methodologies, design solutions specific to plastics, and design for re-use, as well as manufacturing and performance, with an emphasis on thermoplastic molding techniques, recent advances on plastics tooling, and the appraisal of the influence of processing options on product performance. This is a valuable resource to plastics engineers, design engineers, mold makers, and product or part designers across industries. It will also be of interest to researchers and advanced students in plastics engineering, polymer science, additive manufacturing and mechanical engineering.

Lignin-based Materials for Biomedical Applications: Preparation, Characterization, and Implementation explores the emerging area of lignin-based materials as a platform for advanced biomedical applications, guiding the reader from source through to implementation. The first part of the book introduces the basics of lignin, including extraction methods, chemical modifications, structure and composition, and properties that make lignin suitable for biomedical applications. In addition, structural characterization techniques are described in detail. The next chapters focus on the preparation of lignin-based materials for biomedical applications, presenting methodologies for lignin-based nanoparticles, hydrogels, aerogels, and nanofibers, and providing in-depth coverage of lignin-based materials with specific properties-including antioxidant properties, UV absorbing capability, antimicrobial properties, and colloidal particles with tailored properties-and applications, such as drug and gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Finally, future perspectives and possible new applications are considered. This is an essential reference for all those with an interest in lignin-based materials and their biomedical applications, including researchers and advanced students across bio-based polymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, nanotechnology, materials science and engineering, drug delivery, and biomedical engineering, as well as industrial R&D and scientists involved with bio-based polymers, specifically for biomedical applications.

Recycling of Polymers This timely reference on the topic is the only book you need for a complete overview of recyclable polymers. Following an introduction to various polymer structures and their resulting properties, the main part of the book deals with different methods of recycling. It discusses in detail the recycling of such common polymers as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, as well as rubbers, fibers, engineering polymers, polymer blends and composites. The whole is rounded off with a look at future technologies and the toxicological impact of recycled polymers. An indispensable reference source for those working in the field, whether in academia or industry, and whether newcomers or advanced readers.

Conducting Polymer-Based Nanocomposites: Fundamentals and Applications delivers an up-to-date overview on cutting-edge advancements in the field of nanocomposites derived from conjugated polymeric matrices. Design of conducting polymers and resultant nanocomposites has instigated significant addition in the field of modern nanoscience and technology. Recently, conducting polymer-based nanocomposites have attracted considerable academic and industrial research interest. The conductivity and physical properties of conjugated polymers have shown dramatic improvement with nanofiller addition. Appropriate fabrication strategies and the choice of a nanoreinforcement, along with a conducting matrix, may lead to enhanced physicochemical features and material performance. Substantial electrical conductivity, optical features, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and other physical properties of the conducting polymer-based nanocomposites have led to high-performance materials and high-tech devices and applications. This book begins with a widespread impression of state-of-the-art knowledge in indispensable features and processing of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites. It then discusses essential categories of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and derived nanomaterials. Subsequent sections of this book are related to the potential impact of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites in various technical fields. Significant application areas have been identified for anti-corrosion, EMI shielding, sensing, and energy device relevance. Finally, the book covers predictable challenges and future opportunities in the field of conjugated nanocomposites.

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.

Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber, Second Edition presents the latest advances in the processing, properties and advanced applications of natural rubber (NR), drawing on state-of-the-art research in the field. Chapters cover manufacturing, processing and properties of natural rubber, describing biosynthesis, vulcanization for improved performance, strain-induced crystallization, self-reinforcement, rheology and mechanochemistry for processing, computer simulation of properties, scattering techniques and stabilizing agents. Applications covered include natural rubber, carbon allotropes, eco-friendly soft bio-composites using NR matrices and marine products, the use of NR for high functionality such as shape memory, NR for the tire industry, and natural rubber latex with advanced applications. This is an essential resource for academic researchers, scientists and (post)graduate students in rubber science, polymer science, materials science and engineering, and chemistry. In industry, this book enables professionals, R&D, and producers across the natural rubber, tire, rubber and elastomer industries, as well as across industries looking to use natural rubber products, to understand and utilize natural rubber for cutting-edge applications.

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.

Natural Polyphenols from Wood: Tannin and Lignin - An Industrial Perspective is a detailed guide to the sourcing and processing of tannin and lignin for valuable advanced applications across areas such as fuels, chemicals, drugs, and food. Drawing on the latest academic research and patent literature, this book provides strong practical understanding of the use of these valuable materials in novel industrial applications. This book introduces natural polyphenols from wood and the fundamental aspects of carbon management within the tree. In-depth presentation of extraction and characterization methods is followed by an extensive coverage of practical and industrial applications of wood polyphenols. This is an essential resource for researchers and advanced students working with lignin or tannin, and across biopolymer science, biomass, wood chemistry, paper, wood adhesives, polymer materials, renewable resources, and biotechnology. It also supports industrial R&D and scientists working with wood polyphenols or bio-based polymers.

Food, Medical, and Environmental Applications of Polysaccharides provides a detailed resource for those interested in the design and preparation of polysaccharides for state-of-the-art applications. The book begins with an introductory section covering sources, chemistry, architectures, bioactivity, and chemical modifications of polysaccharides. Subsequent parts of the book are organized by field, with chapters focusing on specific applications across food, medicine, and the environment. This is an extremely valuable book for researchers, scientists, and advanced students in biopolymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, materials science, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, medicine, food science, and environmental science. This important class of biopolymer can offer attractive properties and modification potential, enabling its use in groundbreaking areas across food, medical, and environmental fields. The book will be of interest to scientists, R&D professionals, designers, and engineers who utilize polysaccharide-based materials.

The Effect of Long Term Thermal Exposure on Plastics and Elastomers, Second Edition brings together a wide range of essential data on the effect of long-term thermal exposure on plastics and elastomers, enabling engineers to make optimal material choices and design decisions. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to include the latest data and materials. This highly valuable handbook will support engineers, product designers, R&D professionals, and scientists who are working on plastics products or parts for high temperature environments across a range of industries. This readily available data will make it easy for practitioners to learn about plastic materials and their long- term thermal exposure without having to search the general literature or depend on suppliers. This book will also be of interest to researchers and advanced students in plastics engineering, polymer processing, coatings, and materials science and engineering.

Macromolecular Engineering: Design, Synthesis and Application of Polymers explores the role of macromolecular engineering in the development of polymer systems with engineered structures that offer the desired combination of properties for advanced applications. This book is organized into sections covering theory and principles, science and technology, architectures and technologies, and applications, with an emphasis on the latest advances in techniques, materials, properties, and end uses - and including recently commercialized, or soon to be commercialized, designed polymer systems. The chapters are contributed by a group of leading figures who are actively researching in the field. This is an invaluable resource for researchers and scientists interested in polymer synthesis and design, across the fields of polymer chemistry, polymer science, plastics engineering, and materials science and engineering. In industry, this book supports engineers, R&D, and scientists working on polymer design for application areas such as biomedical and healthcare, automotive and aerospace, construction and consumer goods.

Biopolymers and Their Industrial Applications: From Plant, Animal, and Marine Sources to Functional Products is a detailed guide to the use of biopolymers for advanced applications across a range of key industries. In terms of processing and cost, bio-based polymers are becoming increasingly viable for an ever-broadening range of novel industrial applications. The book begins with an overview of biopolymers, explaining resources, demands, sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling and simulation, and classifications. Further in-depth chapters explore the latest techniques and methodologies for isolation and physicochemical characterization, materials selection, and processing for blends and composites. Chapters 6 to 14 each focus on the preparation and applications of biopolymers in a specific industrial area, including food science and nutraceuticals, medicine and pharmaceuticals, textiles, cosmeceutical, packaging, adhesives and automotive, 3D printing, super capacitor and energy storage devices, and environmental applications. The final chapter compares and analyzes biopolymers alongside synthetic polymers, also offering valuable insight into social, economic, and environmental aspects. This is an essential resource for those seeking to understand, research, or utilize biopolymers in industrial applications. This includes researchers, scientists, and advanced students working in biopolymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, materials science, nanotechnology, composites, and biotechnology. This is a highly valuable book for scientists, R&D professionals, designers, and engineers across multiple industries and disciplines, who are looking to utilize biopolymers for components and products.