Advances in Environmental Electrochemistry provides the basics of environmental electrochemistry, including redox reactions for contaminant removal, bio-electrochemical systems, electrochemical reactor design and the various electrochemistry-based techniques for practical wastewater degradation, environmental remediation and bioenergy recovery from waste. Technologies acting as key indicators for addressing the various aspects of environmental electrochemistry are covered, along with comparisons to conventional methods and potential ways forward. This book will be of interest to chemical engineers, environmental engineers, and all those interested in environmental biotechnology, bio-electrochemical systems, electrochemical sensors, advanced oxidation processes, biological wastewater treatment, and waste to energy recovery.

Polymer Blend Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications presents the latest developments in polymer blend-based nanocomposites for applications in energy storage, covering theoretical concepts, preparation methods, characterization techniques, properties and performance. The book begins by introducing polymer blend-based nanocomposites, preparation methods, mechanisms, requirements, theory, modeling, and simulation, with subsequent sections covering the use of specific base materials, including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermoset polymers, and biodegradable polymers. Final sections covers polymer blend nanocomposites with different fillers, both for conducting polymers and non-conducting polymers. Devices discussed include capacitors, supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells. Finally, other key aspects are considered, including the conversion from laboratory to industry and recycling and lifecycle assessment of polymer blend nanocomposites used in energy devices.

Handbook of Odors in Plastic Materials, Third Edition analyzes the reasons behind unwanted odor formation and outlines methods for prevention. This new edition contains a thorough review of the most recent data, achievements and information in this less known but very significant field of polymer modification. The book covers the fundamentals of odor formation and its transport within a material, the relationship between odor and toxicity, and various methods of odor removal and unwanted odor formation. Three chapters are devoted to the analysis of odor-related matters in different polymers, products and methods of processing. Dozens of polymers and product groups are analyzed, and the book also discusses regulations related to odor in products, effects of odor on health and safety, the effect of odors from plastic materials on indoor air quality, information on testing of odor changes, as well as a selection of raw materials for fog-free products.

Polyurea: Synthesis, Properties, Composites, Production, and Applications is a comprehensive and practical guide to polyurea, a material used for its exceptional properties and performance in a range of high value industrial applications. Sections cover polyurea formulations and properties, comparing aromatic polyurea with aliphatic polyurea and computation modeling of properties for polyurea and polyurea composites. This is followed by in-depth coverage of synthesis, structure and production methods of polyurea, with the connections between production, performance and properties examined thoroughly. Other sections explain the preparation, characterization, modeling and applications of polyurea and polyurea composites with the required properties for specific advanced applications. Finally, environmental issues, recycling and future potential of polyurea are considered. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in polymer science, chemistry, composite science, civil engineering, materials science and mechanical engineering, as well as R&D professionals, engineers and industrial scientists with an interest in polyurea-based materials for advanced applications.

Ceramic Matrix Composites: Lifetime and Strength Prediction Under Static and Stochastic Loading focuses on the strain response and lifetime prediction of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites under stress-rupture loading at intermediate temperatures. Typical damage mechanisms of matrix cracking, interface debonding and oxidation, and fiber's oxidation and fracture are considered in the micromechanical analysis. Effects of composite's constituent properties, peak stress, and testing temperature on the composite's strain response and lifetime are analyzed in detail. Comparison of constant and different stochastic stress spectrum on composite's damage evolution and fracture are also discussed. The book will be a practical guide for the material researcher and component designer needing to better understand the composite's damage and fracture behavior under stress-rupture loading at intermediate temperatures.

Handbook of Advanced Ceramic Coatings: Fundamentals, Manufacturing and Classification introduces ceramic coating materials, methods of fabrication, characterizations, the interaction between fillers, reinforcers, and environmental impact, and the functional classification of ceramic coatings. The book is one of four volumes that together provide a comprehensive resource in the field of Advanced Ceramic Coatings, also including titles covering energy, biomedical and emerging applications. These books will be extremely useful for academic and industrial researchers and practicing engineers who need to find reliable and up-to-date information about recent progresses and new developments in the field of advanced ceramic coatings. Smart ceramic coatings containing multifunctional components are now finding application in transportation and automotive industries, in electronics, and energy sectors, in aerospace and defense, and in industrial goods and healthcare. Their wide application and stability in harsh environments are only possible due to the stability of the inorganic components used. Ceramic coatings are typically silicon nitride, chromia, hafnia, alumina, alumina-magnesia, silica, silicon carbide, titania, and zirconia-based compositions. The increased demand for these materials and their application in energy, transportation, and the automotive industry, are considered, to be the main drivers.

Magnetic Nanoferrites and their Composites: Environmental and Biomedical Applications addresses recent developments in this important research field. The book covers the latest synthesis and fabrication techniques, properties, characterization and multifunctional biomedical and environmental applications. Chapters provide cutting-edge research while addressing the latest scenarios, recent developments, future aspects, and challenges and opportunities attributed to their excellent properties, including large surface-to-volume ratio, high chemical stability, low eddy losses, moderate values of saturation magnetization and coercivity, large adsorption, non-toxicity, bio-degradable and biocompatibility. This book will be a valuable reference resource for researchers, engineers and technologists working in this important research field. Magnetic nanoferrites and their composites are now utilized in a broad range of different application fields such as catalysis, biomedicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tissue targeting, drug delivery, sensors, environmental remediation, data storage, transformers, switching devices, high frequency and microwave devices.

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.

Green Sustainable Process for Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Science: Applications of Advanced Nanostructured Materials in Wastewater Remediation reviews recent applications of nanostructured materials for remediation, their preparation, characterization and efficiency for water remediation technologies. The book provides ideas on how nanomaterials are the real solution to water purification or new environmental threat. Sections cover nanomaterial adsorbents, functionalized magnetic nanomaterials, nanostructured polymer hydrogels, carbon nanomaterials, biogenic nanoparticles, green chemistry concepts, aqua defluoridation, and advanced remediation techniques. The book also includes the current status of wastewater treatment using nanomaterials, along with challenges and perspectives for further improvements.

Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Emerging Applications presents the state-of-the-art in biopolymers, bringing together detailed information on synthesis strategies, processing and cutting-edge applications. The book begins by introducing the synthesis, processing and structural and functional properties of smart biopolymers and bionanocomposites. Subsequent chapters focus on the synthesis and preparation of biopolymers with valuable properties or for specific advanced applications, including piezoelectric properties, shape memory properties, biodegradable polymer blends, synthesis and assembly of nanomaterials, synthesis of green biopolymers, and catalytic synthesis of bio-sourced polyesters and polycarbonate, as well as applications in active food packaging, water purification, biomedicine, 3D printing, and automotive. Throughout the book, there are analyses of different synthesis strategies and processing methods and their role and use in different fields of application, whilst the important challenges relating to scalable processing and shaping and micro and nano structuration are also discussed. The book also strives to balance the synthetic aspects of biopolymers with physical principles, highlighting biopolymer-based architectures including composite or hybrid conjugates, providing in-depth discussion of important examples of reaction mechanisms, and exploring potential applications of biopolymer and conjugates, ranging from physical to chemical and biological systems.

Advanced Fibre-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications, Second Edition provides updates on new research that has been carried out on the use of FRP composites for structural applications. These include the further development of advanced FRP composites materials that achieve lighter and stronger FRP composites, how to enhance FRP integrated behavior through matrix modification, along with information on pretension treatments and intelligence technology. The development of new technology such as automated manufacturing and processing of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have played a significant role in optimizing fabrication processing and matrix formation. In this new edition, all chapters have been brought fully up-to-date to take on the key aspects mentioned above. The book's chapters cover all areas relevant to advanced FRP composites, from the material itself, its manufacturing, properties, testing and applications in structural and civil engineering. Applications span from civil engineering, to buildings and the energy industry.

Plant Polysaccharides as Pharmaceutical Excipients explores innovative techniques and applications of plant-derived polysaccharides as pharmaceutical excipients. Plant polysaccharides are sustainable, renewable and abundantly available, offering attractive properties in terms of water solubility, swelling ability, non-toxicity and biodegradability. These qualities have resulted in extensive exploration into their applications as excipients in a variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms. This book takes a comprehensive, application-oriented approach, drawing on the very latest research that includes sources, classification and extraction methods of plant polysaccharides. Subsequent chapters focus on plant polysaccharides for individual pharmaceutical applications, enabling the reader to understand their preparation for specific targeted uses. Throughout the book, information is supported by illustrations, chemical structures, flow charts and data tables, providing a clear understanding. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are reviewed and discussed.

Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials, Second Edition offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors who require a thorough understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on materials and product performance. Sections cover thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics, as well as various techniques, such as thermogravimetry in combination with mass spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry to investigate thermal decomposition routes. Other chapters focus on polymers and copolymers, including polyolefins, styrene polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyacrylates, natural polymers, inorganic polymers, high temperature-resistant and conducting polymers, blends, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanocomposites, and biocomposites. Finally, other key considerations such as recycling of polymers by thermal degradation, thermal degradation during processing, and modelling, are discussed in detail.

Biomedical Applications of Green Composites reviews the use of green composite materials in drug delivery, with a focus on capsules, resins and ceramides in biomedical fields. Chapters present green composites of polymeric origin and targeted delivery of drugs into various parts of the human body. Other sections in the book cover topics related to the applications of green composites in areas such as antimicrobial agents, pathogen control, surgical applications, dentistry and cancer therapy.

Circularity of Plastics: Sustainability, Emerging Materials, and Valorization of Waste Plastic takes an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to circularity and sustainability in plastics, with an emphasis on plastic waste and end-of-life treatment and options for recycling, re-use, valorization and development of biomass-based polymers. The book introduces key concepts of sustainable materials, the circular economy, and lifecycle assessment, and discusses challenges in the valorization of waste. Other sections cover the upcycling of waste plastic into new materials and fuels, with dedicated chapters exploring state-of-the-art techniques for conversion to new sustainable polymers, fuel, fine chemicals and carbon nanomaterials. Emerging technologies used to produce functional polymers from renewable feedstocks, including CO2, biomass, natural polymers, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoate-based materials (PHAs) are then explored, with a final chapter focusing on applications of sustainable materials, challenges, and future perspectives. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, R&D professionals, and advanced students from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, with an interest in sustainable materials, circularity in plastics, and polymer waste and valorization.

Tribology of Polymers, Polymer Composites, and Polymer Nanocomposites combines fundamental knowledge with the latest findings in the area of polymer tribology. From testing of property-related mechanisms to prediction of wear using artificial neural networks, the book explores all relevant polymer types, including elastomers, epoxy-based, nylon, and more while also discussing their different types of reinforcement, such as particulates, short fibers, natural fibers, and beyond. New developments in sustainable materials, environmental effects, nanoscaled fillers, and self-lubrication are each discussed, as are applications of these materials, guidelines for when to use certain polymer systems, and functional groups of polymers. Experimental methods and modeling and prediction techniques are also outlined. The tribology of graphene-based, biodegradable, hybrid nanofiller/polymer nanocomposites and other types of polymers is discussed at length.

Advances in Biomedical Polymers and Composites: Materials and Applications is a comprehensive guide to polymers and polymer composites for biomedical applications, bringing together detailed information on their preparation, properties, cutting-edge technologies, innovative materials and key application areas. Sections introduce polymers and composites in biomedical applications and cover characterization techniques, preparation and properties of composites and gel-based systems. Innovative technologies and instruments used in the fabrication of polymer composites for biomedical applications are then presented in detail, including 3D bioprinting, 4D printing, electrospinning, stimuli-responsive polymers and quantum dots. This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a broader understanding of polymers and composites for biomedical applications. In addition, it is ideal for readers who want to conduct interdisciplinary research or explore new avenues for research and development.

Plastics and Sustainability: Practical Approaches provides a broad overview of sustainability as applied to plastics, offering a range of opportunities and solutions to be applied in an academic or industrial setting. The book begins by introducing the challenges and opportunities relating to plastics and environmental sustainability. This is followed by detailed eco-profiles organized by polymer category. Subsequent chapters explore various approaches to plastics sustainability, with in-depth coverage of incineration technology for energy recovery, pyrolysis for chemical recovery, blending technology, design, packaging, circular economy, and biopolymers. Finally, international policies are summarized. The book aims to provide a broad source of information and a range of options to readers on how to evaluate and improve the sustainability of plastics, with analyses of the advantages and drawbacks of different technologies and materials. Authored by two professional engineers with substantial experience in industry and consultancy, this is a valuable resource for all those looking for a wide-ranging overview of sustainability as applied to plastics, including researchers and advanced students from a range of materials science and engineering disciplines, and engineers, manufacturers, scientists, and R&D professionals from a range of industries.

Polymeric Nanocomposite Materials for Sensor Applications covers all the important aspects of polymer composite-based sensors, from fundamentals to fabrication. Key chapters focus on the materials used for sensors and their characterization, properties, fabrication and classification. Various applications of polymeric sensors are also discussed in detail. This book is an essential reference resource, not only for the materials scientist, but also for researchers, academics, technologists and students working in the sensor technology industry. In modern society, sensors are used in electronics, food packaging, construction, automobile and aerospace applications. The advancement of smart technologies has increased their usage because of their affordability and reliability. Among the materials used for the fabrication of sensors, polymer composites are the most preferred because they are lightweight, versatile, low cost and easy to process.

Wool Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites is an in-depth and practical exploration of wool-based composites, covering everything from the morphology of wool fiber to the industrial applications of wool composites. Wool has emerged in the top position for this role because of its unique characteristics. While fine wool is too costly for many such applications, coarse wool of greater than 35 microns fiber length is globally under-utilized. This pioneering book describes every form of wool composite, woven, nonwoven, felt and fiber, including different fabrication methods. In unique detail, the international team of expert contributors describe the morphology, structure and properties of wool, methods for the chemical modification of wool, different forms of wool-polymer composites, and many exciting emerging applications.

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.

Polymeric materials offer a high level of versatility due to the range of applications possible within the biomedical and clinical fields - including wound closure - particularly in comparison to metals or ceramics. These specialised materials also allow for a diverse array of therapeutic effects. Although there have been advances in improving polymeric materials for surgical sutures, there is little information available regarding improving the therapeutic value of sutures, and advanced technologies used to implement this improvement. Advanced Technologies and Polymer Materials for Surgical Sutures provides thorough coverage on suture materials with improved mechanical and therapeutic properties that can improve quality of life; chapter topics include drug-releasing kinetics of sutures, shape memory polymer sutures and future trends. This book is a useful resource for academics and researchers in the materials science and biomedical engineering fields, as well as professionals in biomaterials and biotextiles development and clinicians looking to learn more about suture material properties and suture/body interactions.

The Effect of Temperature and Other Factors on the Properties of Plastics and Elastomers, Fourth Edition provides data on the wide spectrum of plastics and TPEs with special reference to thermal stability. The mechanical, physical and electrical properties of plastics and elastomers are described as a function of temperature and humidity to help with the design of lighter more cost-effective plastic parts to replace metal ones. In this new edition, expertly edited data makes it easy for readers to learn about the properties of plastic materials without having to search the general literature or depend on suppliers. Additional types of plastics are examined, and the latest data on material characteristics are provided. Complex details such as how the thermal prehistory can effect final mechanical properties, and how temperature scans reveal dynamic mechanical behavior are also examined to build a deeper understanding of the materials.

Natural Polymers in Wound Healing and Repair: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Trends presents comprehensive coverage on the development and application of natural polymers in wound healing and repair, including fundamental concepts, traditional approaches, cutting-edge methods and emerging trends. The application of natural polymers has evolved from their use in the simplest wound management material, to drug eluting matrices, to cell-laden constructs, and to 3D bio-printed skin equivalents. This book reflects the remarkable progress that has been made in recent years in this innovative field. This is an essential resource for researchers, scientists, and advanced students across polymer science, biomaterials, bio-based and sustainable materials, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and materials science and engineering. It will also be valuable to R&D professionals, scientists, technologists and all those working in a medical setting who are interested in the latest developments in advanced materials for wound management, healing and repair.

Biodegradability of Conventional Plastics: Opportunities, Challenges, and Misconceptions brings together innovative research on the biodegradability of conventional plastics, providing an extensive overview of approaches and strategies that may be implemented, while also highlighting other methods for alleviating the eventual environmental impact of plastics. The book begins by providing a lifecycle assessment of plastics, the environmental impact of plastic waste, and the factors that affect the biodegradability of plastics. The different categories and terminologies surrounding bio-based plastics and biodegradable plastics are then defined and explained in detail, as are the issues surrounding bioplastics. Other sections discuss biodegradability, approaches for enhanced biodegradability of various major types of plastics, including polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), automotive plastics and composites, and agricultural plastic waste. The final part of the book focuses on further techniques and emerging areas, including the utilization of chemical additives, nanomaterials, the role of microbes in terms of microbial degradation and microbial attaching, revalorization of plastic waste through industrial biotechnology, and future opportunities and challenges.