The result of a collaboration between a theoretician and an experimentalist, this book is devoted to the static properties of flexible polymers in solution. It presents the vast progress made by both theory and experiment in recent years. Despite the variety in the chemical composition and physical properties of long polymer chains, when in solution they show a universality in their behaviour. On the experimental side, the use of photon and neutron scattering has led to a better understanding, while the use of computer simulation has also produced interesting results. This work is the result of a collaboration between a theoretician and an experimentalist, who have both worked for many years on polymer solutions.

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.

Advanced Applications of Biobased Materials: Food, Biomedical, and Environmental Applications brings together cutting-edge developments in the preparation and application of biobased materials. The book begins by providing an overview of biobased materials, their classification, and their physical and chemical modifications. This is followed by a section covering the latest techniques in fabrication, processing and characterization. Subsequent chapters are grouped by application area, offering insights into advanced and emerging utilizations of biobased materials in food, biomedical and environmental applications. Sections cover lifecycle assessment, circular economy, sustainability, and future potential. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students across polymer science, sustainable materials, biomaterials, materials chemistry, composite science, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and environmental science, as well a great book for engineers and R&D with an interest in biobased materials for emerging applications in the areas of biomedicine, food and the environment.

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.

Bio-Based Flame Retardants for Polymeric Materials provides a comprehensive overview of flame retardants derived directly and indirectly from plant sources, drawing on cutting-edge research and covering preparation methods, testing and evaluation techniques, enhanced properties, and end applications. Chapters introduce bio-based materials in the context of additives for flame retardancy, explaining fundamentals and testing methods and analyzing synthetic approaches and the potential advantages of pursuing a bio-based approach. This is followed by detailed coverage of bio-based retardants, with each chapter covering a specific source and guiding the reader systematically through preparation techniques, evaluation methods, properties and applications. Throughout the book, the latest progress in the field is critically reviewed, and there is a continual emphasis on novel approaches to achieve enhanced properties and performant materials. This is an essential guide for all those with an interest in innovative, sustainable flame retardant additives for polymeric materials, including researchers, scientists, advanced students, and more.

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.

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.

Natural Materials-based Green Composites 1: Plant Fibers explores several important plant fiber-based materials such as wood fibers, vegetable fibers, jute fibers, stalk fibers and hemp fibers. The book provides introductory information and various innovative applications of most important plant fiber-based materials such as wood fibers, vegetable fibers, jute fibers, stalk fibers, and hemp fibers.It investigates their structure and provides various innovative applications and discusses the microstructure of wood and mechanical properties of green wood-based composites (GWC), eco-friendly applications of green composites as building materials, and applications in wastewater treatment. The book also discusses seaweed and cotton fibers for their applications as adhesive and in reinforcement.The book is complemented by Natural Materials-based Green Composites 2: Biomass that deals with a broad range of material types, including natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, particulate composites, fiberboard, wood fiber composites, and plywood composite that utilize natural, renewable, and biodegradable agricultural biomass.

Renewable Polymers and Polymer-Metal Oxide Composites: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications serves as a reference on the key concepts of the advances of polymer-oxide composites. The book reviews knowledge on polymer-composite theory, properties, structure, synthesis, and their characterization and applications. There is an emphasis on coupling metal oxides with polymers from renewable sources. Also, the latest advances in the relationship between the microstructure of the composites and the resulting improvement of the material's properties and performance are covered. The applications addressed include desalination, tissue engineering, energy storage, hybrid energy systems, food, and agriculture. This book is suitable for early-career researchers in academia and R&D in industry who are working in the disciplines of materials science, engineering, chemistry and physics.

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.

Elastomer Blends and Composites: Principles, Characterization, Advances, and Applications presents the latest developments in natural rubber and synthetic rubber-based blends and nanocomposites, with a focus on current trends, future directions and state-of-the-art applications. The book introduces the fundamentals of natural rubber and synthetic rubbers, outlining synthesis, structure, properties, challenges and potential applications. This is followed by detailed coverage of compounding and formulations, manufacturing methods, and preparation of elastomer-based blends, composites, and nanocomposites. The next section of the book focuses on properties and characterization, examining elasticity, spectroscopy, barrier properties, and rheological, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic behavior, and more. This is a highly valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in rubber (or elastomer) science, polymer blends, composites, polymer science, and materials science and engineering, as well as engineers, technologists, and scientists working with rubber-based materials for advanced applications.

Polymer-Based Nanoscale Materials for Surface Coatings presents the latest advances and emerging technologies in polymer-based nanomaterials for coatings, focusing on novel materials, characterization techniques, and cutting-edge applications. Sections present the fundamentals of surface preparation and nanocoatings, linking materials and properties, explaining the correlation between morphology, surface phenomena, and surface protection mechanism, and covering theory, modeling and simulation. Other presented topics cover characterization methods, with an emphasis on the latest developments in techniques and approaches. Aging and lifecycle assessment of coated surfaces and coatings are also discussed. Final sections explore advanced applications across a range of fields, including intelligent coatings for biomedical implants, self-healing coatings, syper-hydrophobicity, electroluminescence, sustainable edible coatings, marine antifouling, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic coatings.

Advanced Fluoropolymer Nanocomposites: Fabrication, Processing, Characterization and Applications presents a comprehensive review on the fundamental chemistry, physics, biology and engineering of advanced fluoropolymer nanocomposites. Detailed attention is given to the synthesis, processing characterization, properties and applications of fluoropolymer nanocomposites. Morphological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, tribological and viscoelastic properties are also discussed in detail, along with the influence of synthesis methods on the formation of fluoropolymer nanocomposites, including the effect of nanofiller size and shape and the dispersion state of various nanofillers in different fluoropolymer matrices. This book will be a useful reference resource for scientists, engineers and postgraduate students working in the field of polymer science and technology, materials science and engineering, composites and nanocomposites. This resource will help them find solutions to both fundamental and applied problems associated with their research. It will also assist researchers in becoming more acquainted with the field to address key questions within a short time.

Polymers in Electronics: Optoelectronic Properties, Design, Fabrication, and Applications brings together the fundamentals and latest advances in polymeric materials for electronic device applications, supporting researchers, scientists and advanced students, and approaching the topic from a range of disciplines. The book begins by introducing polymeric materials, their dielectric, optical, and thermal properties, and the essential principles and techniques for polymers as applied to electronics. This is followed by detailed coverage of the key steps in the preparation of polymeric materials for opto-electronic devices, including fabrication methods, materials design, rheology, encapsulation, and conductive polymer mechanisms. The final part of the book focuses on the latest developments in advanced devices, covering the areas of photovoltaics, transistors, light-emitting diodes, and stretchable electronics. In addition, it explains mechanisms, design, fabrication techniques, and end applications. This is a highly valuable resource for researchers, advanced students, engineers and R&D professionals from a range of disciplines.

Nanomaterials for Bioreactors and Bioprocessing Applications explores the potential of nanomaterials in improving the efficiency of bioprocessing industries and next-generation bioreactors. The book provides information on various newly synthesized nanomaterials in bioreactors for scaling up the bioprocess to an industrial level, the criteria and properties of nanomaterials to be used in bioprocessing, advantages, challenges while using the nanomaterials, and the economic constraints. In addition, the book also discusses the fate of various nanomaterials in the bioprocess, the chances of product contamination and its prevention. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and biomedical engineers information on the synthesized nanomaterials that are available for bioreactors and bioprocesses, and the various optimized conditions and precautions to be taken.

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.

Handbook of Thermoplastic Fluoropolymers: Properties, Characteristics and Data gathers key technical information about structure, characteristics, properties and processing methods of commercial thermoplastic fluoropolymers in one easy reference. Thermoplastic fluoropolymers have many desirable functional characteristics, such as high thermal stability, reliability at high mechanical loads, a wide range of operating temperatures, and high chemical and radiation stability. These characteristics make them crucial in many specialist applications, including in the military, biopharmaceuticals and environmental protection. This uniquely comprehensive guide to this versatile family of polymers will help processors, fabricators and end-users find new and innovative solutions. Detailed coverage of technical details of processing methods, characteristics, and chemical properties of commercial thermoplastic fluoropolymers all in one place make this the most authoritative reference to the subject available.

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.

Integrated Silicon-Metal Systems at the Nanoscale: Applications in Photonics, Quantum Computing, Networking, and Internet is a comprehensive guide to the interaction, materials, and functional integration at the nanoscale, of the silicon-metal binary system and a variety of emerging and next-generation advanced device applications, from energy and electronics, to sensing, to quantum computing and quantum internet networks. The book guides the readers through advanced techniques and etching processes, combining underlying principles, materials science, design, and operation of metal-Si nanodevices. Each chapter focuses on a specific use of integrated metal-silicon nanostructures, including storage and resistive next-generation nano memory and transistors, photo and molecular sensing, harvest and storage device electrodes, phosphor light converters, and hydrogen fuel cells, as well as future application areas, such as spin transistors, quantum computing, hybrid quantum devices, and quantum engineering, networking, and internet. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in nanomaterials and nanotechnology, electronics engineering, quantum computing, physics, and materials engineering, as well as for materials engineers, industrial scientists, and R&D professionals with an interest in silicon-metal nanodevices for state-of-the-art applications.

Practical Guide to Rotational Moulding, Third Edition, takes a step-by-step approach to rotomoulding, covering applications, moulds, machinery, materials, and design. This third edition has been thoroughly revised to include the latest advances, including novel materials and moulds, new products, and automation. The book begins with a chapter that introduces the rotational moulding process, analyses advantages and disadvantages, and explores common applications for rotomoulded products. The subsequent chapters provide detailed, methodical coverage of moulds, machinery, materials, and design for functionality, supported by clear illustrations and diagrams. Finally, challenges and future developments are discussed. This hands-on technical guide helps engineers, designers and practitioners to understand all aspects of rotomoulding, with the aim of producing performant end products and parts, with uniform wall thickness and potentially in complex shapes. The book is also of great interest to professionals across the plastics industry, as well as researchers and advanced students in plastics engineering, industrial design, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials science and 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.

Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymer Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization, and Applications brings together the latest research, highlighting cutting-edge applications in this exciting field. Sections introduce biodegradable and biocompatible polymers and the fundamentals regarding synthesis, structure, properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability, provide in-depth coverage of methods and techniques for processing, spectroscopic and microscopic analysis, dielectric, thermal, and electrical conductivity, and incorporation of functionalized nanoparticles, and green synthesized nanoparticles. The second part of the book guides the reader through the properties and preparation of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer nanocomposites for a range of specific, targeted, state-of-the-art applications across biomedicine, electronic, energy storage, environment and packaging. Finally, sustainability assessment, environmental impact, and recycling strategies are discussed in detail.

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 that are used in ceramic coatings. 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. Advanced Ceramic Coatings for Emerging Applications covers new developments in automotive, construction, electronic, space and defense industries. The book is one of four volumes that together provide a comprehensive resource in the field of Advanced Ceramic Coatings, also including titles covering: fundamentals, manufacturing, and classification; energy; and biomedical applications. The 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. It will also be of value to early career scientists providing background knowledge to the field.

Graphene to Polymer/Graphene Nanocomposites: Emerging Research and Opportunities brings together the latest advances and cutting-edge methods in polymer/graphene nanocomposites that offer attractive properties and features, leading to a broad range of valuable applications. The initial chapters of this book explain preparation, properties, modification, and applications of graphene and graphene-based multifunctional polymeric nanocomposites. Later, the state-of-the-art potential of polymer/graphene nanocomposites for hierarchical nanofoams, graphene quantum dots, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene nanoribbons, etc., has been elucidated. The subsequent chapters focus on specific innovations and applications including stimuli-responsive graphene-based materials, anticorrosive coatings, applications in electronics and energy devices, gas separation and filtration membrane applications, aerospace applications, and biomedical applications. Throughout the book, challenges, and future opportunities in the field of polymer/graphene nanocomposites are discussed and analyzed. This is an important resource for researchers, scientists, and students/academics working with graphene and across the fields of polymer composites, nanomaterials, polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, and engineering, as well those in an industrial setting who are interested in graphene or innovative materials.

The Resource Utilization of Plastic Waste with Supercritical Water Treatment discusses the types of plastic analysis, material characterization, technical principles of supercritical water treatment of waste plastics, the structure and process of the experimental platform, the selection of process parameters, and the establishment of kinetic models in professional areas of the field.