Lignocellulosic Fibre and Biomass-Based Composite Materials reviews the development, characterization and applications of composite materials developed from the effective use of lignocellulosic fibre and biomass. The book gathers together a wide spectrum of cutting-edge research on biomass fillers and reinforcements used for the fabrication and synthesis of composites. The book takes a systematic approach, investigating processing, design, characterization and applications of biocomposites, in order to establish their important relationship as a general guideline for end-user applications. Beginning with an introduction to biomass and its composites, a team of leading experts in the field cover rice husk, kenaf, oil palm, alfa and doum fibres, bamboo, cork, and many other materials, considering a range of applications, along with key issues such as performance and sustainability. The groundbreaking research presented opens the door to obtaining advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. This will be become an extremely useful reference and technical guide for academic and industrial researchers in composite materials, as well as for advanced students and industrialists working in material commercialization.

Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates Henri Ulrich Chemical Consultant, Guilford, USA The production of both mono- and diisocyanates is of ever increasing importance to the chemical industry. The annual global consumption of polyurethanes, derived from diisocyanates, has reached over six million metric tons. This book highlights the syntheses, reactions and the industrial importance of this group. Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates:
* is the only comprehensive book on isocyanate chemistry and technology
* highlights the industrial applications of diisocyanates in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives
* discusses ionomers used in water-based coatings, polymer networks and biomedical polymers
* reviews current and future environmental issues, including toxicity and safe handling of isocyanates, recycling of isocyanate derived polymers and monomers derived from natural products.
Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates is invaluable to researchers and technologists of organic, polymer and biochemistry and all others working with polyurethanes and other isocyanate products.

Shape-Memory Polymer Device Design discusses the latest shape-memory polymers and the ways they have started to transition out of the academic laboratory and into devices and commercial products. Safranski introduces the properties of shape-memory polymers and presents design principles for designing and manufacturing, providing a guide for the R&D engineer/scientist and design engineer to add the shape memory effect of polymers into their design toolbox. This is the first book to focus on applying basic science knowledge to design practical devices, introducing the concept of shape-memory polymers, the history of their use, and the range of current applications. It details the specific design principles for working with shape-memory polymers that don't often apply to mechanically inactive materials and products. Material selection is thoroughly discussed because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance. Further chapters discuss programming the temporary shape and recovery through a variety of activation methods with real world examples. Finally, current devices across a variety of markets are highlighted to show the breadth of possible applications.

Large numbers of chemical engineers work with polymerization reactions and the problems and the challenges particular to the production of polymers. These problems have no counterparts in small-molecule reactions, and thus usually are neglected in standard reactor courses. This book provides a clearly written, comprehensive textbook on polymerization reactor engineering, appropriate for senior-level undergraduate and 1st- and 2nd-year graduate students. It focuses on polymer structure and structure-property relationships conditions that can play a role in dictating stucture.

The book deals with the synthesis and characterization of hydrogels specifically used as drug delivery systems. Each chapter includes the most recent updates about the different starting materials employed and the improvement of their physicochemical and biological properties to synthetize high performing carriers for specific uses.

Polymer/Fullerene Nanocomposites: Design and Applications synopsizes state-of-the-art essentials and versatile inventions in polymers and fullerenes derived nanocomposites. As the design, fabrication and exploration of polymeric materials with fullerenes in advanced nanomaterials is progressing quickly because of their unique combination of properties, including optical, electronic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, photovoltaic, sensing, shape memory, capacitive, antimicrobial, and other applications, this book fills a void in literature compilation and assessment for a field still in its infancy. The introductory chapter of this manuscript provides a comprehensive update on the fundamentals and applications of fullerenes, with following chapters revealing the properties and essential aspects of polymeric nanocomposites.

Plastics Product Design Provides the reader with access to lessons learned in the author's 40 years of plastics product design experience Part 1 of the book provides the reader with an introduction to plastics as a design material and a discussion of materials commonly in use today. There is a discussion of a variety of processes available to the designer to make a part along with the design considerations each process will entail. This section also includes a discussion of useful prototyping processes, including advantages and disadvantages of each. Next, the book discusses general design considerations applicable to most plastics product designs. In Part 2 of the book the author discusses elements of design of a number of generic plastic product types based on his more than 40 years of experience of product design and development for several companies with a variety of products. This section includes discussions of structural components, gears, bearings, hinges, snap fits, packaging, pressure vessels, and optical components. This section also discusses the general considerations that apply to these applications as well as specific insights about each particular application. There is also a chapter on the most important joining techniques. Part 2 ends with a discussion of the general design process. The book concludes with 3 appendices on thermal properties of selected generic materials; properties of selected structural components; and common abbreviations for plastic materials. Audience This book is aimed at product designers and plastics application engineers who have had limited or no experience with plastics materials as well as a more experienced designer who is designing a part for a use, process or an application that they are not familiar with.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery is a comprehensive guide to PLGA nanoparticles for targeting various diseases, covering principles, formation, characterization, applications, regulations and the latest advances. Sections introduce the fundamental aspects of PLGA nanoparticles for drug delivery, including properties, preparation methods, characterization, drug loading methods, and drug release mechanisms, along with a focus on applications. Application of PLGA nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, cerebral, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, as well as in regenerative medicine, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and gene therapy, are all explained in detail. The final chapters explore recent advances and regulatory aspects. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across nanomedicine, polymer science, bio-based materials, chemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, and materials engineering, as well as for industrial scientists and R&D professionals with an interest in nanoparticles for drug delivery, pharmaceutical formulations and regulations, and development of innovative biodegradable materials.

Engineering design teams sometimes have need of a material that may not exist because the combination of required properties is difficult to achieve. One solution is to develop a new material having the required set of properties needed in the application. During the author's 40-year career he has successfully worked on many such problems. The uniquely useful and valuable book, Polymeric Thermosetting Compounds: Innovative Aspects of Their Formulation Technology, presents twenty of those design problems and the solutions, which resulted in patents and spin-off applications. Author Ralph Hermansen, with years of experience of hands-on experience, is an expert in formulating epoxies, polyurethanes, and other polymers into compounds that have unique properties, and here he shares his knowledge and experience of attaining novel solutions to very challenging problems. He covers polymeric compounds such as coatings, adhesives, encapsulants, transparent plastics, and others. Chapters describe the design problem and define which key properties are sought in the new material. The author shares his thinking about how to approach the formulating problem and describes the experimental procedures used to eventually solve the problem. Patent information is shared as well. Once a new family of polymeric compounds is developed, that technology can be used to attack new unsolved materials problems, or "spin-offs," and real-life examples are provided to help readers see new applications of the technologies described in the earlier chapters. The book will be of interest to a diverse group of people. Industry professionals already in the business of selling specialty compounds may be able to add new products to their catalogs with little research cost or time by using the information in the book. Formulators, trying to develop a new compound to challenging requirements, may gain insight into how to make a breakthrough. The information in the book will be very valuable to companies needing these novel solutions. And younger people wondering what a career in materials science would be like get a first-hand commentary from someone who has done it.

Introduction to Polymer Chemistry provides undergraduate students with a much-needed, well-rounded presentation of the principles and applications of natural, synthetic, inorganic, and organic polymers. With an emphasis on the environment and green chemistry and materials, this fourth edition continues to provide detailed coverage of natural and synthetic giant molecules, inorganic and organic polymers, elastomers, adhesives, coatings, fibers, plastics, blends, caulks, composites, and ceramics. Building on undergraduate work in foundational courses, the text fulfills the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (ACS CPT) in-depth course requirement

Sustainable Polylactide-Based Composites integrates fundamental knowledge pertaining to manufacturing and characterization of polymer composites with a thorough and critical overview of the state-of-the-art in PLA-based composites, including significant past and recent advances. The book begins with insights into the basics of polymer composites, with special reference to sustainable composites, as well as fundamental knowledge related to PLA. This is followed by chapters on manufacturing methods, morphological characterization techniques, and the mechanical models used for polymer composites. A comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in PLA-based sustainable composites of all extensively used fillers is then presented. After providing fundamental knowledge related to PLA and polymer composites, including structure-property-processing relationship, the book focuses on recent research efforts and key research challenges in the development of PLA-based composites, as well as lifecycle assessment and recycling.

These 2 volume books strive to provide to our readers the most up-to-date core information available in the published literature as well as our yet to be published studies with ample illustrations (total 416) on biodegradable polymers. Much of the information used in this book is from the authors' own research activities over the past several decades. These 2 volume books contain a compilation of new developments in the creation and use of biodegradable polymers including the relatively new polymers designed from the ground up (i.e., designing new monomers), the modification of existing biodegradable polymers to achieve particular new goals and functions, new fabrication methods for better efficiency, purity and yields, new engineering methods to formulate existing biodegradable polymers into new physical forms, and new applications of existing or new biodegradable polymers in biomedical and environmental arenas. These 2 volume books contain a total of 28 chapters grouped under 2 volumes. Volume 1 has a total of 14 chapters and 2 sections: Section I Basic degradation study and phenomenon (6 chapters), and Section II Biomedical and environmental applications (8 chapters). Volume 2 has also 14 chapters, and focuses on newly designed biodegradable polymers, and their formulation into different physical forms. The chapters in both volumes have both new original articles and information and review articles with updated and new information. Although the bulk of the chapters in this book (> 90%) deal with issues in biomedical fields which are far more challenging, demanding, and costly to resolve, two chapters deal with use of biodegradable materials for environmental impacts. The books are designed for material and polymer scientists and engineers and biomedical engineers in both universities and in industries with an interest in the biomedical field. Biomaterial scientists and engineers, biomedical engineers and even medical professionals who have used implantable polymeric-based medical devices for their practice will find these books coverage of the latest developments and challenges useful either as a comprehensive review or an up to date report of the developments in the field of biodegradable polymers. The contributors include both academic scientists and research scientists in industry, from 10 different countries in North (USA) and South America (Brazil, Argentina), Asia (China, Korea, Singapore) and Europe (Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal). Therefore, these 2 volume books are truly internationally as well as multidisciplinary-oriented, covering science and engineering without borders.

Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. This new book covers a broad range of polymeric materials and technology and provides researchers in polymer science and technology with new research on the functional materials production chain. Chapters in this new volume highlight recent developments in advanced polymeric materials from macro- to nano-length scales. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve quality of life. This volume presents the latest developments and trends in advanced polymer materials and structures. It discusses the developments of advanced polymers and respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. This book has an important role in advancing polymer materials in macro and nanoscale. Its aim is to provide original, theoretical, and important experimental results that use non-routine methodologies. It also includes chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems that indicate the need for new experimental approaches.

High-Performance Polymers for Engineering-Based Composites presents a selection of investigations and innovative research in polymer chemistry and advanced materials. The book includes case studies in the field of nanocomposites. The volume provides coverage of new research in polymer science and engineering with applications in chemical engineering, materials science, and chemistry. In addition to synthetic polymer chemistry, it also looks at the properties of polymers in various states (solution, melt, solid). The chapters provide a survey of the important categories of polymers including commodity thermoplastics and fibers, elastomers and thermosets, and engineering and specialty polymers. Basic polymer processing principles are explained as well as in-depth descriptions of the latest polymer applications in different industrial sectors. This new book reviews the field's current state and emerging advances. With contributions from experts from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in polymer products and chemical processes.

Explore polymer rheology from an industrial standpoint Presenting state-of-the-art polymer rheology as observed by well-recognized authors, Applied Polymer Rheology: Polymeric Fluids with Industrial Applications is designed to help readers understand the relationship between molecular structure and the flow behavior of polymers. In particular, it focuses on polymeric systems that elicit special attention from industry. Providing a comprehensive overview of the rheological characteristics of polymeric fluids, the book bridges the gap between theory and practice/application, enabling readers to see the connection between molecular structure and the behavior of the polymers studied. Beginning with a discussion of the properties, processability, and processing aids of specific polymers, later chapters examine filled polymers and composites, and the theoretical framework upon which their analysis is based. Various systems containing microstructure are presented subsequently, with the final chapter introducing paste extrusion of polytetrafluoroethylene paste. An invaluable reference guide that covers the literature and vast array of technical approaches to polymer rheology, Applied Polymer Rheology's coverage of polymeric fluids of interest to industry make it an essential resource for plastics, polymer, and chemical engineers, materials scientists, polymer chemists, and polymer physicists to use when interpreting findings and planning experiments.

Providing a detailed reference that explains methodology and practice, Practical Aspects of Finite Element Modeling of Polymer Processing facilitates the transition from the theoretical treatment of the subject through to practical procedure via:

• a descriptive approach that does not require knowledge of advanced mathematical topics

• a detailed methodology for finite element modeling of various polymer processing flows

• working equations of various polymeric flow models in co-ordinate systems, which can be directly translated into computer code

• modelling methods illustrated by worked examples.

Computational fluid dynamics is a major investigative tool in the design and analysis of complex flow processes encountered in modern industrial operations. At the core of every computational analysis is a numerical method that determines its accuracy, reliability speed and cost effectiveness. The finite element method has been established as a powerful technique that provides these requirements in the solution of fluid flow and heat transfer problems.

This book develops finite element solution schemes for the governing equations of polymer processing flows and provides coverage of:

• Equations of non-Newtonian fluids mechanics

• Weighted residual finite element methods

• Polymeric flow process modeling

• Working equations of finite element schemes

• Finite element software

• Computer simulations

Gold and Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications provides detailed information on the preparation and utilization of Au- and Ag-based nanoparticles in a range of novel areas. Gold and silver nanoparticles offer a range of interesting properties, including unique size-dependent optoelectronic properties, chemical stability and biocompatibility, ease of synthesis and surface modification, excellent resistance to corrosion, and catalytic properties, hence paving the way to a wide range of cutting-edge applications with continual advances and innovations. Sections introduce gold and silver nanoparticles, fundamental theory, synthesis, and characterization techniques before focusing on requirements and preparation methods. Specific applications areas, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), sensing and biosensing, imaging, drug and gene delivery, disease diagnosis, catalysis, and optoelectronic device fabrication are covered. Finally, synthesis and applications of platinum- and palladium-based nanoparticles are discussed. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across nanoscience and nanotechnology, chemistry, and materials science, as well as scientists, engineers, and R&D professionals with an interest in noble metal nanomaterials for a range of industrial applications.

Nanocomposites-Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Aspects provides a brief introduction to metal oxides. The book then discusses novel fabrication methodologies and eco-friendly methods for using a broad range of metal oxide-based nanocomposites in innovative ways. Key aspects include fundamental characteristics of environmentally sustainable fabrication of materials for solar power, power generation and the textiles industries. Commercialization and economic aspects that are currently of major significance are also discussed in detail. The book represents an important information resource for material scientists and engineers to create the next generation of products and devices for energy and environmental applications. Metal and metal oxide-based nanocomposites are at the heart of some of the most exciting developments in the field of energy and environmental research. They have exceptional properties and are utilized in electronic and environmental sensing devices, for energy storage, electrode materials, fuel cells, membranes, and more.

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on earth. In solution, cellulose derivatives can form liquid crystals which take on characteristics of the solid state with unique optical and physico-mechanical properties. The author presents an overview of modern developments in the physical chemistry of solutions of cellulose and its derivatives. Physical Chemistry of Non-aqueous Solutions of Cellulose and Its Derivatives discusses:
* how experimental data and computer simulation can give insight into the factors which influence the interaction of solvent and solute
* how phase transitions in solution can be predicted from the solvency of non aqueous solvents for oellulose and its derivatives
* the methods for obtaining thermodynamic parameters for solvation in non-aqueous solvents
* the rheological properties of lyotropic liquid crystals.
The Wiley Series in Solution Chemistry fills the increasing need to present authoritative comprehensive and fully up-to-date accounts of the many aspects of solution chemistry. Internationally recognized experts from research or teaching institutions in various countries are invited to contribute to the series.

Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. This book skillfully blends and integrates polymer science, plastic technology, and rubber technology to highlight new developments and trends in advanced polyblends. The fundamentals of polymerization, polymer characteristics, rheology and morphology, as well as composition, technology, testing and evaluation of various plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, coatings, and composites are comprehensively presented in this informative volume. The book presents the developments of advanced polyblends and the respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. It provides important original and theoretical experimental results that use non-routine methodologies often unfamiliar to many readers. Furthermore chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems are included, which indicate the need for the new experimental approaches that are presented. This new book: * Provides an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polyblends and composites * Familiarizes the reader with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, emphasizing plastic technology and rubber technology * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and the mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development Entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in production of as well as research and development in polymers will find the information presented here valuable and informative.

Exploring the chemistry of synthesis, mechanisms of polymerization, reaction engineering of step-growth and chain-growth polymerization, polymer characterization, thermodynamics and structural, mechanical, thermal and transport behavior of polymers as melts, solutions and solids, Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering, Third Edition covers essential concepts and breakthroughs in reactor design and polymer production and processing. It contains modern theories and real-world examples for a clear understanding of polymer function and development. This fully updated edition addresses new materials, applications, processing techniques, and interpretations of data in the field of polymer science. It discusses the conversion of biomass and coal to plastics and fuels, the use of porous polymers and membranes for water purification, and the use of polymeric membranes in fuel cells. Recent developments are brought to light in detail, and there are new sections on the improvement of barrier properties of polymers, constitutive equations for polymer melts, additive manufacturing and polymer recycling. This textbook is aimed at senior undergraduate students and first year graduate students in polymer engineering and science courses, as well as professional engineers, scientists, and chemists. Examples and problems are included at the end of each chapter for concept reinforcement.

As new applications are developed and plastics replace traditional materials in a widening spectrum of existing applications, the potential personal injury, property damage, financial and legal consequences of failure can be high. However, nearly half of plastics failure can be traced back to the original specification and selection of the material. This book gives engineers the data they need to make an informed decision about the materials they use in their products, imparting a thorough knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials to choose from. The data also suggests other candidate materials which the reader may not have originally considered. More than 30,000 thermoplastics grades are grouped into circa. 300 subfamilies, within which over 20 properties are assessed. The abundance or scarcity of a material and its cost are also often important deciding factors. In this book, an economical overview of the plastics industry helps clarify the actual consumption and costs of thermoplastics including bioplastic, and the relationship of cost vs. performance is also examined for each thermoplastic subfamily. Immediate and long-term common properties are reviewed, including mechanical behavior, impact, thermal properties, and many more. Environmental considerations are also covered, including ease of recycling and sustainability.

UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook, Third Edition, describes the science, development, properties, and application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in artificial joints. UHMWPE is now the material of choice for joint replacements, and is increasingly being used in fibers for sutures. This book is a one-stop reference for information on this advanced material, covering both introductory topics and the most advanced developments. The third edition adds six new chapters on a range of topics, including the latest in anti-oxidant technologies for stabilizing HXLPE and up-to-date systematic reviews of the clinical literature for HXLPE in hips and knees. The book chronicles the rise and fall of all-metal hip implants, as well as the increased use of ceramic biomaterials and UHMWPE for this application. This book also brings orthopedic researchers and practitioners up to date on the stabilization of UHMWPE with antioxidants, as well as the choices of antioxidant available for practitioners. The book also thoroughly assesses the clinical performance of HXLPE, as well as alternative bearings in knee replacement and UHMWPE articulations with polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Written and edited by the top experts in the field of UHMWPE, this is the only state-of-the-art reference for professionals, researchers, and clinicians working with this material.

Lacquer Chemistry and Applications explores the topic of lacquer, the only natural product polymerized by an enzyme that has been used for a coating material in Asian countries for thousands of years. Although the human-lacquer-culture, including cultivation of the lacquer tree, harvesting, and the use of lacquer sap, has a long history of more than thousand years, there is very little information available on the modern scientific methods to study lacquer chemistry. This book, based on the results of the authors' 30 years of research on lacquer chemistry, offers lacquer researchers a unique reference on the science and applications of this extremely important material.

This first comprehensive overview of reactive extrusion technology for over a decade combines the views of contributors from both academia and industry who share their experiences and highlight possible applications and markets. They also provide updated information on the underlying chemical and physical concepts, summarizing recent developments in terms of the material and machinery used. As a result, readers will find here a compilation of potential applications for reactive extrusion to access new and cost-effective polymeric materials, while using existing compounding machines.