The design and development of dyes and chromophores have recently attracted much attention in various research fields such as materials, radiation curing, (laser) imaging, optics, medicine, microelectronics, nanotechnology, etc. In this book, the recent research for the use of dyes and chromophores in polymer science is presented. The interaction of the visible light with the dyes or the selected chromophores is particularly important in different fields (e.g. for photovoltaic, display applications (LED ...), laser imaging or laser direct writing, green chemistry with sunlight induced photopolymerization etc ...). This book gives an overview of the dyes and chromophores for all the important fields.

Self-Healing Materials: Principles and Technology is a practical book aimed at giving engineers and researchers in both industry and academia the information they need to deploy self-healing technology in a wide range of potential applications-from adhesives to the automotive industry, and from electronics to biomedical implants. Developments are increasingly seeing real-world application, and this book enables practitioners to use this technology in their own work. The book first discusses the principal mechanisms of self-healing and how these are applied to the development of materials which have the ability to repair themselves-either with minimal human intervention or without human intervention at all. The book provides a theoretical background and a review of the major research undertaken to date, to give a thorough grounding in this concept and related technology. The book specifically covers fault detection mechanisms in materials, and experimental methods to enable engineers to assess the efficiency of the self-healing process. It then discusses typical aids and additives in self-healing materials, including plasticizers, catalysts, shape-memory components, and more. Finally, the book contains real world examples of self-healing materials and how these have been applied to around 40 groups of products and industries, including materials used in the automotive industry, construction, composite materials for aerospace, biomaterials and materials used in medical devices, and adhesives and sealants.

Thermoplastic matrix composites have attracted much attention in the composites industry due to their easy processibility and improved impact properties. Although there are many books on thermoplastic composites available, none emphasize flexible towpregs and their composite properties. This book discusses various methods of manufacturing flexible towpregs, their properties, their textile preforming behavior, the properties of textile preform, and the properties of final composites. FEATURES Gives readers a complete view of composite manufacturing Offers details on flexible prepregs that other books overlook, such as manufacturing methods, influence of processing parameters, and properties Includes explanations that cover all steps of manufacturing with examples Features case studies and homework exercises for all chapters to reinforce understanding Provides technological information, discussion, and analysis of problems related to all types of flexible towpregs, such as commingling, electrostatic powder coating, wrapped hybrid yarns, micro-braided hybrid yarns, core-spun hybrid yarns, and others This book is aimed at readers working with composite materials, industrial textiles, and related areas to understand the significance of thermoplastic composites made through textile performance of flexible towpregs.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Polymer Composites focuses on key areas of fundamental research and applications of biocomposites. Several key elements that affect the usage of these composites in real-life applications are discussed. There will be a comprehensive review on the different kinds of biocomposites at the beginning of the book, then the different types of natural fibers, bio-polymers, and green nanoparticle biocomposites are discussed as well as their potential for future development and use in engineering biomedical and domestic products. Recently mankind has realized that unless the environment is protected, he himself will be threatened by the over consumption of natural resources as well as a substantial reduction in the amount of fresh air produced in the world. Conservation of forests and the optimal utilization of agricultural and other renewable resources like solar, wind, and tidal energy, have become important topics worldwide. With such concern, the use of renewable resources-such as plant and animal-based, fiber-reinforced polymeric composites-are now becoming an important design criterion for designing and manufacturing components for a broad range of different industrial products. Research on biodegradable polymeric composites can contribute, to some extent, to a much greener and safer environment. For example, in the biomedical and bioengineering fields, the use of natural fiber mixed with biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers can produce joint and bone fixtures to alleviate pain in patients.

Morphology- Property Relationship in Rubber-Based Nanocomposites: Some Recent Developments, by A. K. Bhowmick, M. Bhattacharya, S. Mitra, K. Dinesh Kumar, P. K. Maji, A. Choudhury, J. J. George and G. C. Basak; * Rubber- Clay Nanocomposites: Some Recent Results, by Amit Das, De-Yi Wang, Klaus Werner St ckelhuber, Ren Jurk, Juliane Fritzsche, Manfred Kl ppel and Gert Heinrich; * Surface Modification of Fillers and Curatives by Plasma Polymerization for Enhanced Performance of Single Rubbers and Dissimilar Rubber/Rubber Blends, by J. W. M. Noordermeer, R. N. Datta, W. K. Dierkes, R. Guo, T. Mathew, A. G. Talma, M. Tiwari and W. van Ooij; * Recent Developments on Thermoplastic Elastomers by Dynamic Vulcanization, by R. Rajesh Babu and Kinsuk Naskar; * PTFE-Based Rubber Composites for Tribological Applications, by M. S. Khan and G. Heinrich Content Level Research

It covers the synthesis, characterizations, and properties of natural polymeric systems, including their morphology, structure, and dynamics. It introduces the most recent innovations and applications of natural polymers and their composites in the food, construction, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries.

"Biodegradable Composites for Packaging Applications" describes design, processing, and manufacturing of advanced biodegradable composites in packaging industry applications. It covers fundamentals of biodegradable polymers followed by introduction to biodegradable materials for food packaging industry and its processing mechanisms. Pertinent applications are explained across different chapters including intelligent packaging, applied technologies, degradation problems and its impact on environment and associated challenges. Features Covers biodegradable composites and targeted applications in packaging for industrial applications. Includes exhaustive processing and characterizations of biodegradable composites. Discusses innovative commodities packaging applications. Reviews advanced integrated design and fabrication problems for conductive and sensors applications. Explores various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and experimental modeling. This volume is aimed at researchers and graduate students in sustainable materials, composite technology, biodegradable plastics, and food technology and engineering.

Provides insight about application of natural fibers in polymer and composite manufacturing Covers fundamental concepts for the characterization of natural fiber composites Describes extraction process of natural fibers with comparison Includes comparative study of different polymer matrices Discusses diverse applications and scope for commercialization and entrepreneurship

Industrial Applications of Renewable Plastics: Environmental, Technological, and Economic Advances provides practical information to help engineers and materials scientists deploy renewable plastics in the plastics market. It explores the uses, possibilities, and problems of renewable plastics and composites to assist in material selection and rejection. The designer's main problems are examined, along with basic reminders that deal with structures and processing methods that can help those who are generally familiar with metals understand the unique properties of plastic materials. The book offers a candid overview of main issues, including conservation of fossil resources, geopolitical considerations, greenhouse effects, competition with food crops, deforestation, pollution, and disposal of renewable plastics. In addition, an overview of some tools related to sustainability (Life cycle assessments, CO2 emissions, carbon footprint, and more) is provided. The book is an essential resource for engineers and materials scientists involved in material selection, design, manufacturing, molding, fabrication, and other links in the supply chain of plastics. The material contained is of great relevance to many major industries, including automotive and transport, packaging, aeronautics, shipbuilding, industrial and military equipment, electrical and electronics, energy, and more.

Brydson's Plastics Materials, Eighth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the commercially available plastics materials that bridge the gap between theory and practice. The book enables scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work and provides engineers with essential theory. Since the previous edition, many developments have taken place in plastics materials, such as the growth in the commercial use of sustainable bioplastics, so this book brings the user fully up-to-date with the latest materials, references, units, and figures that have all been thoroughly updated. The book remains the authoritiative resource for engineers, suppliers, researchers, materials scientists, and academics in the field of polymers, including current best practice, processing, and material selection information and health and safety guidance, along with discussions of sustainability and the commercial importance of various plastics and additives, including nanofillers and graphene as property modifiers. With a 50 year history as the principal reference in the field of plastics material, and fully updated by an expert team of polymer scientists and engineers, this book is essential reading for researchers and practitioners in this field.

Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook: Processing, Materials, and Applications, Second Edition, covers both the polymer basics that are helpful to bring readers quickly up-to-speed if they are not familiar with a particular area of plastics processing and the recent developments that enable practitioners to discover which options best fit their requirements. New chapters added specifically cover polyamides, polyimides, and polyesters. Hot topics such as 3-D printing and smart plastics are also included, giving plastics engineers the information they need to take these embryonic technologies and deploy them in their own work. With the increasing demands for lightness and fuel economy in the automotive industry (not least due to CAFE standards), plastics will soon be used even further in vehicles. A new chapter has been added to cover the technology trends in this area, and the book has been substantially updated to reflect advancements in technology, regulations, and the commercialization of plastics in various areas. Recycling of plastics has been thoroughly revised to reflect ongoing developments in sustainability of plastics. Extrusion processing is constantly progressing, as have the elastomeric materials, fillers, and additives which are available. Throughout the book, the focus is on the engineering aspects of producing and using plastics. The properties of plastics are explained, along with techniques for testing, measuring, enhancing, and analyzing them. Practical introductions to both core topics and new developments make this work equally valuable for newly qualified plastics engineers seeking the practical rules-of-thumb they don't teach you in school and experienced practitioners evaluating new technologies or getting up-to-speed in a new field.

Expanded PTFE Applications Handbook: Technology, Manufacturing and Applications is a comprehensive guide to ePTFE, explaining manufacturing technologies, properties, and applications. Technologies that were previously shrouded in secrecy are revealed in detail, as are the origins and history of ePFTE. The book is an essential handbook for scientists and engineers working in PTFE processing industries, and for manufacturers working with fluoropolymers. It is also of use to purchasing managers and academics.

Written by an expert with over 25 years experience in packaging, this book is a comprehensive guide to the use of plastic films in flexible packaging, covering scientific principles, properties, processes and end use considerations.

The book brings the science of multilayer films to the practitioner in a concise and impactful way, providing the fundamental understanding required to improve product design, material selection and processes. This includes information on why one material is favoured over another for a particular application, or how the film or coating affects material properties.

Detailed descriptions and analysis of the key properties of packaging films are provided from both an engineering and scientific perspective. End-use effects are also covered in detail, providing key insight into the way that the products being packaged influence film properties and design.

The book bridges the gap between key scientific literature and the practical challenges faced by the flexible packaging industry, providing essential scientific insight, best practice techniques, environmental sustainability information and key principles of structure design to enable engineers and scientists to deliver superior products with reduced development time and cost.

A comprehensive reference book, providing essential information on all aspects of multilayer films in flexible packaging. Aids in material selection and processing, shortening development times and delivering stronger products. Bridges the gap between scientific principles and key challenges in the packaging industry, with practical explanations to assist practitioners in overcoming those challenges"

Modification of Polymer Properties provides, for the first time, in one title, the latest information on gradient IPNs and gradient copolymers. The book covers the broad range of polymer modification routes in a fresh, current view representing a timely addition to the technical literature of this important area. Historically, blends, copolymers, or filled polymers have been developed to meet specific properties, or to optimize the cost/properties relationship. Using the gradient structure approach with conventional radical polymerization, it has been shown that it is possible to optimize properties if appropriate gradients in the composition of copolymer chains are obtained. An overview of the gradient structure approach for designing polymers has not appeared in the recent literature and this title covers the different methods used to modify properties, offering the whole range of ways to modify polymers in just one volume and making this an attractive option for a wide audience of practitioners. The approach for each chapter is to explain the fundamental principles of preparation, cover properties modification, describe future research and applications as examples of materials that may be prepared for specific applications, or that are already in use, in present day applications. The book is for readers that have a basic background in polymer science, as well as those interested in the different ways to combine or modify polymer properties.

Polymer electrolytes are electrolytic materials that are widely used in batteries, fuel cells and other applications such as supercapacitors, photoelectrochemical and electrochromic devices. Polymer electrolytes: Fundamentals and applications provides an important review of this class of ionic conductors, their properties and applications. Part one reviews the various types of polymer electrolyte compounds, with chapters on ceramic polymer electrolytes, natural polymer-based polymer electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes, lithium-doped hybrid polymer electrolytes, hybrid inorganic-organic polymer electrolytes. There are also chapters on ways of characterising and modelling polymer electrolytes. Part two discusses applications such as solar cells, supercapacitors, electrochromic and electrochemical devices, fuel cells and batteries. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Polymer electrolytes: Fundamentals and applications is a standard reference for all those researching and using polymer electrolytes in such areas as battery and fuel cell technology for automotive and other applications.

This book provides the latest technical information on sustainable materials that are feedstocks for additive manufacturing (AM). Topics covered include an up-to-date and extensive overview of raw materials, their chemistry, and functional properties of their commercial versions; a description of the relevant AM processes, products, applications, advantages, and limitations; prices and market data; and a forecast of sustainable materials used in AM, their properties, and applications in the near future. Data included are relative to current commercial products and are presented in easy-to-read tables and charts. Features Highlights up-to-date information and data of actual commercial materials Offers a broad survey of state-of the-art information Forecasts future materials, applications, and areas of R&D Contains simple language, explains technical terms, and minimizes technical lingo Includes over 200 tables, nearly 200 figures, and more than 1,700 references to technical publications, mostly very recent Handbook of Sustainable Polymers for Additive Manufacturing appeals to a diverse audience of students and academic, technical, and business professionals in the fields of materials science and mechanical, chemical, and manufacturing engineering.

Polymeric Foams: Innovations in Technologies and Environmentally Friendly Materials offers the latest in technology and environmental innovations within the field of polymeric foams. It outlines how application-focused research in polymeric foam can continue to improve living quality and enhance social responsibility. This book: Addresses technological innovations including those in bead foams, foam injection molding, foams in tissue engineering, foams in insulation, and silicon rubber foam Discusses environmentally friendly innovations in PET foam, degradable and renewable foam, and physical blowing agents Describes principles as well as applications from internationally recognized foam experts This work is aimed at researchers and industry professionals across chemical, mechanical, materials, polymer engineering, and anyone else developing and applying these advanced polymeric materials.

Forensic Polymer Engineering: Why Polymer Products Fail in Service, Second Edition presents and explains the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer materials that are illustrated with a very large number of detailed case studies which show the different types of failure and the forensic engineering techniques used in their investigation. In this updated edition, new case studies have been added to include patent disputes and failed products such as spiral wound wall storage tanks, lithium battery explosions, water bottle failures, and breast implant failures (such as the PIP scandal). New images demonstrating failure have been included, and images from the previous edition are reproduced in color and enhanced with additional explanatory detail. With a dedicated focus on polymeric materials, the book includes details on the experimental techniques that are used to characterize the materials, particularly in cases of failure. Finally, the book has information on the fabrication of polymer devices, as manufacturing flaws often play a role in failure.

Fluoroelastomers Handbook: The Definitive User's Guide, Second Edition is a comprehensive reference on fluoroelastomer chemistry, processing technology, and applications. It is a must-have reference for materials scientists and engineers in the automotive, aerospace, chemical, chemical process, and power generation industries. Covering both physical and mechanical properties of fluoroelastomers, it is useful in addressing daily challenges in the use of these materials, as well as the challenges posed in long-term research and development programs. Since the publication of the previous edition in 2005, many new findings and developments in chemistry, technology, and applications of fluoroelastomers have taken place. This is the only book with updated information on the manufacturing process, cross-linking chemistry and the formulation of compounds, as well as mixing, processing, and curing methods. A fully revised chapter is included on applications and examples of fluoroelastomer compounds. Safety, hygiene, and disposal standards and guidelines have been updated, and a new chapter has been added to discuss new developments and current trends, helping engineers and materials scientists stay ahead of the curve.

Covers principles of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC), manufacturing processes, applications and future possibilities in a systematic manner Highlights IPMC practical applicability in biomedical engineering domain Explores single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) based IPMC soft actuators Discusses IPMC applications in underwater areas Includes IPMC application in robotics focussing on special compliant mechanism

Advances in Women's Intimate Apparel Technology discusses the design and manufacture of intimate apparel and how the industry is increasingly embracing novel materials, new technologies, and innovations in sizing and fit. The book reviews the ways in which new materials and methods are improving the range, function, and quality of intimate apparel, with particular focus on brassiere design. Part One introduces the advanced materials used for intimate apparel, including novel fabrics and dyes and finishes, along with materials for wiring and embellishments. Part Two discusses the role of seamless technology in intimate apparel production, covering lamination, moulding, and seamless knitting. Finally, Part Three reviews advances in design, fit, and performance.

Professional engineers engaged in the design and structural analysis of plastic components will appreciate this ground-breaking work, which uniquely applies the stress category approach to plastics materials. Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, this reference offers a comprehensive discussion of various stress categories utilizing over 150 annotated, instructive examples. An overview of the theory of elasticity is presented along with techniques governing plastics design. From simple press-fits to matrix structural analysis, the concept of stress category analysis is introduced and utilized to discuss a wide range of practical problems more compactly. What to do with computed stress is the most pressing issue addressed in Applied Stress Analysis of Plastics, as Krishnamachari presents fresh methodologies to deal with these problems effectively. Stressing understanding over theory, Applied Stress Analysis of Plastics makes the perfect desktop reference for design and test engineers, or as an intermediate textbook for students.

Active Coatings for Smart Textiles presents the latest information on active materials and their application to textiles in the form of coatings and finishes for the purpose of improving performance and creating active functional effects. This important book provides detailed coverage of smart coating types, processes, and applications. After an introduction to the topic, Part One introduces various types of smart and active coatings, including memory polymer coatings, durable and self-cleaning coatings, and breathable coatings. Technologies and related processes for the application of coatings to textiles is the focus of Part Two, with chapters devoted to microencapsulation technology, plasma surface treatments, and nanotechnology-based treatments. The book ends with a section on applications of smart textiles with responsive coatings, which are increasingly finding commercial niches in sportswear, protective clothing, medical textiles, and architecture.

Antimicrobial textiles have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to their potential for reducing the transmission of infection in medical and healthcare environments. Antimicrobial properties can also improve the performance and lifespan of consumer products, and so these fabrics are increasingly finding applications in the wider textile and apparel industry. This book provides systematic coverage of the technologies and materials required for developing these important textiles. In Part One, chapters address key issues and technologies in the creation of antimicrobial textile products. Topics covered include testing and regulation, microencapsulation, sol-gel coating and plasma technologies, nanotechnology and life cycle assessment. Part Two then reviews key antimicrobial agents, such as N-halamines, plant based compounds and photo-active chemicals. Finally, the chapters of Part Three offer detailed reviews of antimicrobial textiles for particular important applications, including medical devices, protective clothing and products with improved durability and longevity.