The applications of biocomposite materials are increasing in aerospace, automobile, and household items due to their biodegradable, renewable, non-corrosion, and high strength to weight ratio properties. The processing and characterization of biofiber-reinforced biocomposite materials are vital for their strength and performance. This book discusses the properties, chemical treatment, and compatibility of biofibers with materials.

Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): Design, Construction and Practical Applications presents a best practice guide on the structural design and strengthening of bridge structures using advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. The book briefly covers the basic concepts of FRP materials and composite mechanics, while focusing on practical design and construction issues, including inspection and quality control, paying special attention to the differences in various design codes (US, Japan, and Europe) and recommendations. At present, several design guides from the US, Japan, and Europe are available. These guidelines are often inconsistent and do not cover all necessary design and inspection issues to the same degree of detail. This book provides a critical review and comparison of these guidelines, and then puts forward best practice recommendations, filling a significant gap in the literature, and serving as an important resource for engineers, architects, academics, and students interested in FRP materials and their structural applications. Written from a practitioner's point-of-view, it is a valuable design book for structural engineers all over the world.

Atlas of Material Damage, Second Edition provides a systematic analysis of the modes of damage and morphology of damaged material, and compares the experiences of different industries to provide insight into the most frequently encountered failures, reasons for these failures, and potential improvements to prevent future materials failure. Product reliability is a critical aim of materials scientists and engineers. Uninterrupted performance of manufactured products at typical and extreme conditions of use is the major goal of product development and the most important indicator of material quality. This atlas has microscopic pictures, schematic diagrams, and graphs which show how materials fail, how they are produced to not fail, and how they are designed to perform particular functions to make outstanding products. Findings presented by each illustration are fully explained in the text and labeled. Materials increasingly must have optimal structure and specially designed morphology. The book offers numerous examples of how this special morphology can be achieved in electronics, the plastics industry, the pharmaceutical industry, aerospace, automotive applications, medicine, dentistry, and many other fields. This book provides information on defect formation and materials damage; discusses effect of composition, morphological features and structure of different materials on material performance, durability, and resilience; and analyses the cause of material damage and degradation, and the effect of processing conditions on material damage.

Handbook of Odors in Plastic Materials, Second Edition, analyzes the reasons behind unwanted odor formation and the methods for preventing it. The book covers the fundamentals of odor formation and its transport within a material, the relationship between odor and toxicity, and seventeen methods of odor removal. Odor can play a significant role in the success of a product; it can decide whether a customer purchases the product in the first place, or can be the cause of complaints or returns. Similarly, in scented products, the retention of volatile components is a particular challenge and opportunity. There are several factors which have an impact on the formation of odors in plastic materials, including the properties of the polymer, use of additives in processing, exposure to radiation and oxygen, storage, and recycling. Thirty-seven polymers and forty-one critical product groups are analyzed based on the latest research publications and patents. The book also discusses regulations related to odor in products, effects of odor on health and safety, and the effect of odors from plastic materials on indoor air quality.

Databook of Blowing and Auxiliary Agents examines the chemical compounds used in the manufacture of blowing and auxiliary agents, and commercial products, with a range of data sources utilized. Foamed polymers have many beneficial properties, including lower density, high heat and sound insulation, and shock absorbency. Foamed plastic parts are now a ubiquitous part of everyday life-from food packaging to seat cushions. As the application of foamed polymers expands and diversifies, a variety of foaming techniques and equipment are available to produce a diverse range of products. The methods of foaming are generally established, but very little is known about the composition of materials to be processed and additives to enhance foam products and make foam production more economical. Over 100 different data fields are provided, from general information such as molecular structure and formula, to physical properties, health and safety information, ecological properties, and recommendations regarding appropriate use and performance of each agent. This databook is an essential resource for engineers, technicians, and materials scientists who need to specify blowing or auxiliary agents. It provides trustworthy and up-to-date data applicable to a range of industries such as construction, automotive, food packaging, and more.

Databook of Plasticizers, Second Edition, contains data on the most important plasticizers in use today, including over 375 generic and commercial plasticizers. The data comes from a range of sources beyond plasticizers' manufacturers, allowing for a detailed comparison of properties between different plasticizers. Over 100 different data fields are provided, from general information, such as molecular structure and formula, to physical properties, health and safety information, ecological properties, and recommendations regarding appropriate use and performance of each plasticizer. The databook is an essential resource for engineers, technicians, and materials scientists responsible for specifying a plasticizer. It provides trustworthy and up-to-date data that is applicable to a range of numerous application areas, such as construction, automotives, food packaging, and more.

Handbook of Plasticizers, Third Edition, is an essential professional reference, providing information that enables R&D scientists, production chemists, and engineers the information they need to use plasticizers more effectively, and to avoid certain plasticizers in applications where they may cause health or material durability problems. Plasticizers are vital to the plastics industry, particularly in improving the properties of materials such as PVC. Plasticizers are commonly added to complex mixtures containing a variety of materials, so successful incorporation requires a broad understanding of the mechanisms of plasticizer action, and compatibility with different materials and blends. There is a large selection of commercial plasticizers, and various environmental issues which impact on selection decisions. The book discusses new and historical approaches to the use of plasticizers, explaining mechanisms of plasticizers' action and their behavior in plasticized systems. It goes into detail on the use of plasticizers in a range of specific polymers, polymer blends, and other industrial products. This includes coverage of the impact of plasticizers on processing. George Wypych provides the data and know-how from the most recent sources and updated information required by engineers and scientists working in the plastics industry and the many industry sectors that use plastics in their products. The book covers the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of plasticizers, historical and theoretical background, their effects on process conditions, and health, safety, and environmental issues.

Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents provides useful guidance to assist practitioners in the more efficient and effective selection of foaming methods and blowing agents. The book focuses on the selection of additives for a diverse range of foaming processes, which can be enhanced using modern chemical means to improve product quality, speed up the process, and broaden the range of products that can be produced using foaming technology. Foamed polymers have many beneficial properties, including lower density, high heat and sound insulation, and shock absorbency. Foamed plastic parts are now a ubiquitous part of everyday life-from food packaging to seat cushions. As the application of foamed polymers expands and diversifies, a variety of foaming techniques and equipment are available to produce very diverse range of products. Foaming methods are generally established, but very little is known about the composition of materials to be processed and the additives to enhance foam products or make the foam production more economical. The book introduces useful analytical techniques for foaming, and thoroughly discusses the environmental impact of foaming processes.

Advanced and Emerging Polybenzoxazine Science and Technology introduces advanced topics of benzoxazine resins and polybenzoxazines as presented through the collaboration of leading experts in the benzoxazine community, representing the authoritative introduction to the subjects. Broad topics covered include the recent development and improved understanding of the subjects, including low temperature cure, aerogels and carbon aerogels, smart chemistry in fire retarding materials and coatings, metal containing benzoxazines, rational design of advanced properties, and materials from natural renew. In the past twenty years, the number of papers on polybenzoxazine has continuously increased at an exponential rate. During the past three years, the number of papers published is more than the previous 17 years combined. The material is now part of only a few successfully commercialized polymers in the past 35 years. Therefore, interest in this material in both academia and industry is very strong.

Encyclopedia of Materials: Plastics and Polymers, Four Volume Set covers plastics and polymeric materials, including their fundamental properties, current and potential future application areas in various private, public, commercial and industrial sectors, and their biodegradability, reusability and disposability. As well as covering all aspects of the science and applications of plastics and polymers, the book expounds on newer developments, including up-to-date articles and knowledge. In addition, the detrimental environmental effects of plastics and polymers are included, along with expertly-written articles that shed light on composites of macro, micro- and nano-particle sized plastic and polymeric materials and biodegradable natural or synthetic materials. This encyclopedia will be most valuable to researchers working at the interface between materials science/chemistry and materials engineering, as well as advanced undergraduates who need to quickly understand a broad range of foundational concepts and the developments that have taken place over time.

Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers, Fourth Edition provides a comprehensive collection of graphical multipoint and tabular data covering the permeation of liquids, vapors, and gases through plastic or polymeric materials, such as films, membranes, and containers. This updated edition includes an entirely new chapter on sustainable and biodegradable polymers and an extensive introductory section covering fatigue, what it is, how it is measured, and the fundamentals of permeation and permeability properties. Foundational information is also provided on the production of films, containers, membranes, and the markets and applications for these materials.

The addition of polymers to bitumen allows the modification of certain physical properties, such as softening point, brittleness and ductility, of the bitumen. Polymer modified bitumen: Properties and characterisation provides a valuable and in-depth coverage of the science and technology of polymer modified bitumen. After an initial introduction to bitumen and polymer modified bitumen, the book is divided into two parts. Chapters in part one focus on the preparation and properties of a range of polymer modified bitumen, including polymer bitumen emulsions, modification of bitumen with poly (urethanes), waste rubber and plastic and polypropylene fibres. Part two addresses the characterisation and properties of polymer modified bitumen. Chapter topics covered include rheology, simulated and actual long term ageing studies; the solubility of bituminous binders in fuels and the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to study ageing/oxidation of polymer modified bitumen. Polymer modified bitumen is an essential reference for scientists and engineers, from both academia and the civil engineering and transport industries, interested in the properties and characterisation of polymer modified bitumen.

Biaxial (having two axes) stretching of film is used for a range of applications and is the primary manufacturing process by which products are produced for the food packaging industry. Biaxial stretching of film: principles and applications provides an overview of the manufacturing processes and range of applications for biaxially stretched films. Part one reviews the fundamental principles of biaxial stretching. After an introductory chapter which defines terms, chapters discuss equipment design and requirements, laboratory evaluations, biaxial film structures and typical industrial processes for the biaxial orientation of films. Additional topics include post production processing of biaxially stretched films, the stress-strain behaviour of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and academic investigations of biaxially stretched films. Part two investigates the applications of biaxial films including fresh cut produce, snack packaging and product labelling. A final chapter investigates potential future trends for biaxially oriented films and orienting lines. Biaxial stretching of film: principles and applications is a valuable reference tool for a broad spectrum of readers, ranging from polymer and fibre engineers to electrical engineers. It will also be suitable for professionals in the food packaging and paper industries.

Non-crimp fabric (NCF) composites are reinforced with mats of straight (non-crimped) fibres, giving them such advantages as strength, ease of handling and low manufacturing costs. Non-crimp fabric composites provides a comprehensive review of the use of NCF composites, their manufacture and applications in engineering. Part one covers the manufacture of non-crimp fabrics, including also topics such as structural stitching and automated defect analysis. Part two goes on to discuss the manufacture of non-crimp fabric composites, with chapters covering such topics as deformability and permeability of NCF. Part three focuses on the properties of NCF composites, with chapters on stiffness and strength, damage progression and fatigue. Finally, part four covers the applications of NCF composites, including chapters on the aerospace and automotive industries as well as wind turbines and helicopter applications. The book concludes with a discussion of cost analysis of NCF composites in engineering applications. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-crimp fabric composites is an essential reference for composite manufacturers and structural and mechanical engineers in industries using NCF composites, as well as academics with a research interest in the field.

Recent developments in multifunctional and nanoreinforced polymers have provided the opportunity to produce high barrier, active and intelligent food packaging which can help ensure, or even enhance, the quality and safety of packaged foods. Multifunctional and nanoreinforced polymers for food packaging provides a comprehensive review of novel polymers and polymer nanocomposites for use in food packaging. After an introductory chapter, Part one discusses nanofillers for plastics in food packaging. Chapters explore the use of passive and active nanoclays and hidrotalcites, cellulose nanofillers and electrospun nanofibers and nanocapsules. Part two investigates high barrier plastics for food packaging. Chapters assess the transport and high barrier properties of food packaging polymers such as ethylene-norbornene copolymers and advanced single-site polyolefins, nylon-MXD6 resins and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers before going on to explore recent advances in various plastic packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), nanoscale inorganic coatings and functional barriers against migration. Part three reviews active and bioactive plastics in food packaging. Chapters investigate silver-based antimicrobial polymers, the incorporation of antimicrobial/antioxidant natural extracts into polymeric films, and biaoctive food packaging strategies. Part four examines nanotechnology in sustainable plastics with chapters examining the food packaging applications of polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), starch-based polymers, chitosan and carragenan polysaccharides and protein-based resins for packaging gluten (WG)-based materials. The final chapter presents the safety and regulatory aspects of plastics as food packaging materials. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors Multifunctional and nanoreinforced polymers for food packaging proves a valuable resource for researchers in packaging in the food industry and polymer scientists interested in multifunctional and nanoreinforced materials.

Understanding the properties of polymer carbon nanotube (CNT) composites is the key to these materials finding new applications in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to electronics, aerospace and biomedical/bioengineering. Polymer-carbon nanotube composites provides comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the preparation, characterisation, properties and applications of these technologically interesting new materials. Part one covers the preparation and processing of composites of thermoplastics with CNTs, with chapters covering in-situ polymerization, melt processing and CNT surface treatment, as well as elastomer and thermoset CNT composites. Part two concentrates on properties and characterization, including chapters on the quantification of CNT dispersion using microscopy techniques, and on topics as diverse as thermal degradation of polymer/CNT composites, the use of rheology, Raman spectroscopy and multi-scale modelling to study polymer/CNT composites, and CNT toxicity. In part three, the applications of polymer/CNT composites are reviewed, with chapters on specific applications such as in fibres and cables, bioengineering applications and conductive polymer CNT composites for sensing. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Polymer-carbon nanotube composites is an essential reference for scientists, engineers and designers in high-tech industry and academia with an interest in polymer nanotechnology and nanocomposites.

Handbook of Polymers, Second Edition, presents normalized, up-to-date polymer data in a consistent and easily referenceable layout. This new edition represents an update of the available data, including new values for many commercially available products, verification of existing data, and removal of older data where it is no longer useful. The book includes data on all major polymeric materials used by the plastics industry and all branches of the chemical industry, as well as specialty polymers used in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical, and space fields. The entire scope of the data is divided into sections to make data comparison and search easy, including synthesis, physical, mechanical, and rheological properties, chemical resistance, toxicity and environmental impact, and more. The data enables engineers and materials scientists to solve practical problems, be that in applications, research and development, or legislation. The most current grades of materials have been selected to provide readers with information that is characteristic of currently available products.

Databook of Nucleating Agents gives engineers and materials scientists the information they need to increase the production rate, modify structure and morphology, and reduce haze of polymeric products with proper selection of nucleating agents and clarifying agents. Chemical origin and related properties of nucleating agents are analyzed in general terms to highlight the differences in their properties, including the essential theoretical knowledge required for correct selection and use of nucleating and clarifying agents. This includes methods of chemical modification of nucleating agents and their deposition on suitable substrates; methods, and results of dispersion of nucleating agents, influence of their concentration and cooling rate on final result and rate of crystallization, nucleation efficiency of different products and the reasons behind it, and generally accepted mechanisms of nucleation. The book also covers application aspects in different formulations. Patent literature and research papers are extensively reviewed for different applications, and polymer processing methods which require use of nucleating agents are discussed, with an emphasis on the intricacies of use of nucleating agents in different polymers and products.

Special Injection Molding Techniques covers several techniques used to create multicomponent products, hollow areas, and hard-soft combinations that cannot be produced with standard injection molding processes. It also includes information on the processing techniques of special materials, including foaming agents, bio-based materials, and thermosets. The book describes the most industrially relevant special injection molding techniques, with a detailed focus on understanding the basics of each technique and its main mechanisms, i.e., temperature, mold filling, bonding, residual stresses, and material behavior, also providing an explanation of process routes and their variants, and discussions of the most influencing process parameters. As special molding technologies have the potential to transform plastics processing to a highly-efficient, integrated type of manufacturing, this book provides a timely survey of these technologies, putting them into context, accentuating new opportunities, and giving relevant information on processing.

Bio-based Plant Oil Polymers and Composites provides engineers and materials scientists a useful framework to help take advantage of the latest research conducted in this rapidly advancing field-enabling them to develop and commercialize their own products quickly and more successfully. Plant oil is one of the most attractive options as a substitute for non-renewable resources in polymers and composites, and is producing materials with very promising thermomechanical properties relative to traditional, petroleum-based polymers. In addition to critical processing and characterization information, the book assists engineers in deciding whether or not they should use a plant oil-based polymer over a petroleum-based polymer, discussing sustainability concerns, biodegradability, associated costs, and recommended applications. The book details the advancements in the development of polymeric materials and composites from plant oils, and provides a critical review of current applications in various fields, including packaging, biomedical, and automotive applications. Also includes the latest progress in developing multifunctional biobased polymers-by increasing thermal conductivity or adding antibacterial properties, for example.

Biopolymers: Applications and Trends provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability. It includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment, not only presenting all the major market players, but also highlighting trends and new developments in products. The book includes a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more, giving engineers critical materials information in an area which has traditionally been more limited than conventional polymers. In addition, the book uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property for companies working on new and innovative products.