Multilayer Flexible Packaging, Second Edition, provides a thorough introduction to the manufacturing and applications of flexible plastic films, covering materials, hardware and processes, and multilayer film designs and applications. The book gives engineers and technicians a better understanding of the capability and limitations of multilayer flexible films and how to use them to make effective packaging. It includes contributions from world renowned experts and is fully updated to reflect the rapid advances made in the field since 2009, also including an entirely new chapter on the use of bio-based polymers in flexible packaging. The result is a practical, but detailed reference for polymeric flexible packaging professionals, including product developers, process engineers, and technical service representatives. The materials coverage includes detailed sections on polyethylene, polypropylene, and additives. The dies used to produce multilayer films are explored in the hardware section, and the process engineering of film manufacture is explained, with a particular focus on meeting specifications and targets. In addition, a new chapter has been added on regulations for food packaging - including both FDA and EU regulations.

Conducting polymers are versatile materials that possess both the unique properties of polymeric materials (elastic behavior, reversible deformation, flexibility, etc.) and the ability to conduct electricity with bulk conductivities comparable to those of metals and semiconductors. Conducting Polymers: Chemistries, Properties and Biomedical Applications provides current, state-of-the-art knowledge of conducting polymers and their composites for biomedical applications. This book covers the fundamentals of conducting polymers, strategies to modify the structure of conducting polymers to make them biocompatible, and their applications in various biomedical areas such as drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial activities, biosensors, etc. FEATURES Covers the state-of-the-art progress on biodegradable conducting polymers for biomedical applications Presents synthesis, characterization, and applications of conducting polymers for various biomedical research Provides the fundamentals of biodegradation mechanisms and the role of conduction in biomedical devices Offers details of novel methods and advanced technologies used in biomedical applications using conducting polymers Highlights new directions for scientists, researchers, and students to better understand the chemistry, technologies, and applications of conducting polymers This book is essential reading for all academic and industrial researchers working in the fields of materials science, polymers, nanotechnology, and biomedical technology.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites exhibit better damping characteristics than conventional metals due to the viscoelastic nature of the polymers. There has been a growing interest among research communities and industries in the use of natural fibers as reinforcements in structural and semi-structural applications, given their environmental advantages. Knowledge of the vibration and damping behavior of biocomposites is essential for engineers and scientists who work in the field of composite materials. Vibration and Damping Behavior of Biocomposites brings together the latest research developments in vibration and viscoelastic behavior of composites filled with different natural fibers. Features: Reviews the effect of various types of reinforcements on free vibration behavior Emphasizes aging effects, influence of compatibilizers, and hybrid fiber reinforcement Explores the influence of resin type on viscoelastic properties Covers the use of computational modeling to analyze dynamic behavior and viscoelastic properties Discusses viscoelastic damping characterization through dynamic mechanical analysis. This compilation will greatly benefit academics, researchers, advanced students, and practicing engineers in materials and mechanical engineering and related fields who work with biocomposites. Editors Dr. Senthil Muthu Kumar Thiagamani, Kalasalinagam Academy of Research and Education (KARE), India Dr. Md Enamul Hoque, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh Dr. Senthilkumar Krishnasamy, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok KMUTNB, Thailand Dr. Chandrasekar Muthukumar, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS), India Dr. Suchart Siengchin, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok KMUTNB, Thailand

Handbook of Fillers, Fourth Edition, discusses the rapidly advancing field of fillers, the substances added to plastics and composites that add value by improving and modifying the properties of materials and reducing costs. This new edition is an essential reference for engineers and scientists using fillers in a range of materials, including plastics, rubber, adhesives, and paper. The book is designed to be a comprehensive reference for both experienced practitioners and those new to fields where fillers are used. It covers available fillers and their properties, their effect on filled materials, such as mechanical properties, rheology, morphology, flammability, and recycling, and their use in practical applications. In particular, this new edition provides extensive coverage of nanofillers, along with the practical information needed to deploy these new technologies in the real world. The book includes the latest advances in filler technology, with consolidated technical information from over 4,000 research papers, data from over 160 filler and equipment manufacturers, and a thorough review of the patent literature.

Geotextiles: From Design to Applications presents valuable information on the high performance fabrics used in soil separation, drainage, filtration, reinforcement, and cushioning. These polymeric materials offer solutions for geoengineering and other civil engineering specialties due to their advanced physical, mechanical, hydraulic, and endurance properties. This important book offers comprehensive coverage of the manufacture, functions, properties, designs, and applications of geotextiles. Part One begins with a chapter on the history of geotextiles, followed by chapters giving detailed reviews of the types of fabrics and their manufacturing processes, from resin type, to fiber extrusion, to textile fabrication. Part Two covers the properties, behavior, and testing of geotextiles, with Part Three focusing on applications dealing with the specific primary functions of geotextiles. In Part Four, chapters offer numerous general applications of geotextiles, including those in waste containment, marine engineering, walls/slopes, agriculture, and erosion control. Finally, the chapters of Part Five address quality control and assurance for geotextiles, and the increasingly important topic of sustainability.

Handbook 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.

Nanomaterial and Polymer Membranes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications presents a unique collection of up-to-date polymeric nanomaterial membranes. The book offers a perfect source to document state-of-the-art developments and innovations in nanocomposite membranes, ranging from materials development and characterization of properties to membrane applications. The book discusses applications that encompass the enhancement of sorption and degradation processes and their usage for the removal of different pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and other organic and inorganic pollutants from the industry.

Biomass Fractionation Technologies for a Lignocellulosic Feedstock-based Biorefinery reviews the extensive research and tremendous scientific and technological developments that have occurred in the area of biorefinering, including industrial processes and product development using 'green technologies', often referred as white biotechnology. As there is a huge need for new design concepts for modern biorefineries as an alternative and amendment to industrial crude oil and gas refineries, this book presents the most important topics related to biomass fractionation, including advances, challenges, and perspectives, all with references to current literature for further study. Presented in 26 chapters by international field specialists, each chapter consists of review text that comprises the most recent advances, challenges, and perspectives for each fractionation technique. The book is an indispensable reference for all professionals, students, and workers involved in biomass biorefinery, assisting them in establishing efficient and economically viable process technologies for biomass fractionation.

Spectroscopy of Polymer Nanocomposites covers all aspects of the spectroscopic characterization of polymer nanocomposites. More than 25 spectroscopy characterization techniques - almost all used in materials science - are treated in the book, with discussion of their potentialities and limitations. By comparing the techniques with each other and presenting the techniques together with their specific application areas, the book provides scientists and engineers the information needed for solving specific problems and choosing the right technique for analyzing the material structure. From this, the dispersion structure of fillers, property relations and filler-polymer interactions can be determined, and, ultimately, the right materials can be chosen for the right applications. Besides the techniques and structure-property relations, aspects covered include: phase segregation of filler particles, filler agglomeration and deagglomeration, filler dispersion, filler-polymer interactions, surfaces and interfaces. The book also examines recent developments, as well as unresolved issues and new challenges, in the characterization of surfaces and interfaces in polymer nanocomposites. This handpicked selection of topics, and the combined expertise of contributors from industry, academia, government and private research organizations across the globe, make this survey an outstanding reference source for anyone involved in the field of polymer nanocomposites in academia or industry.

Biopolymers represent a carbon emission solution: they are green and eco-friendly with a variety of uses in biomedical engineering, the automotive industry, the packaging and paper industries, and for the development of new building materials. This book describes the various raw materials of biopolymers and their chemical and physical properties, the polymerization process, and the chemical structure and properties of biopolymers. Furthermore, this book identifies the drawbacks of biopolymers and how to overcome them through modification methods to enhance the compatibility, flexibility, physicochemical properties, thermal stability, impact response, and rigidity.

Advances in Polyurethane Biomaterials brings together a thorough review of advances in the properties and applications of polyurethanes for biomedical applications. The first set of chapters in the book provides an important overview of the fundamentals of this material with chapters on properties and processing methods for polyurethane. Further sections cover significant uses such as their tissue engineering and vascular and drug delivery applications Written by an international team of leading authors, the book is a comprehensive and essential reference on this important biomaterial.

Advanced Fibrous Composite Materials for Ballistic Protection provides the latest information on ballistic protection, a topic that remains an important issue in modern times due to ever increasing threats coming from regional conflicts, terrorism, and anti-social behavior. The basic requirements for ballistic protection equipment are first and foremost, the prevention of a projectile from perforating, the reduction of blunt trauma to the human body caused by ballistic impact, the necessity that they are thermal and provide moisture comfort, and that they are lightweight and flexible to guarantee wearer's mobility. The main aim of this book is to present some of the most recent developments in the design and engineering of woven fabrics and their use as layering materials to form composite structures for ballistic personal protection. Chapter topics include High Performance Ballistic Fibres, Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), Ballistic Damage of Hybrid Composite Materials, Analysis of Ballistic Fabrics and Layered Composite Materials, and Multi-Scale Modeling of Polymeric Composite Materials for Ballistic Protection.

Since 1930 more than 100,000 new chemical compounds have been developed and insufficient information exists on the health assessment of 95 percent of these chemicals in which a relevant percentage are used in construction products. For instance Portland cement concrete, the most used material on the Planet (10.000 million tons/year that in the next 40 years will increase around 100 %) currently used in around 15% of total concrete production contains chemicals used to modify their properties, either in the fresh or hardened state. Biopolymers are materials that are developed from natural resources. They reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There is a worldwide demand to replace petroleum-based materials with renewable resources. Currently bio-admixtures represent just a small fraction of the chemical admixtures market (around 20%) but with environmental awareness for constituents in construction materials generally growing (the Construction Products Regulation is being enforced in Europe since 2013), the trend towards bio-admixtures is expected to continue. This book provides an updated state-of-the-art review on biopolymers and their influence and use as admixtures in the development of eco-efficient construction materials.

Manufacturing and Novel Applications of Multilayer Polymer Films discusses the advancements in multilayer technology, including its capability to produce hundreds of layers in a single film by a melt coextrusion process. These engineered films can have significantly enhanced performance properties, allowing films to be made thinner, stronger, and with better sealing properties. As recent developments in feedblocks and materials have opened up a range of new possibilities, this book discusses different feedblocks, and viscosity and material considerations. It is the first comprehensive summary of the latest technology in multilayer film processing and related applications, and is written from a practical perspective, translating research into commercial production and real world products. The book provides fundamental knowledge on microlayer coextrusion processing technology, how to fabricate such structures, structure and properties of such microlayers, and potential applications, thus helping research scientists and engineers develop products which not only fulfill their primary function, but can also be manufactured reliably, safely, and economically.

Chemical Resistance of Thermoplastics is a unique reference work, providing a comprehensive cross-referenced compilation of chemical resistance data that explains the effect of thousands of exposure media on the properties and characteristics of commodity thermoplastics. The two volumes cover thermoplastics grouped within the following parts:
- Acrylic Polymers and Copolymers
- Acrylonitrile Polymers
- Cellulosics Polymers
- Ionomers
- Olefinic Polymers
- Polyacetals
- Polyacetals
- Polyamides
- Polycarbonates
- Polyesters
- Polyurethanes
- Polycarbonates
- Styrene Copolymers
- Styrene Copolymers
- Vinyl Chloride Polymers
- Vinyl Polymers

The single most comprehensive data source covering the chemical resistance properties of high consumption volume commercial thermoplastics

A rating number is provided for each test, summarizing the effect of the exposure medium on the given thermoplastic

The data covered in the two volumes is also provided as an online publication offering extended navigation and search features

Three-Dimensional Microfabrication Using Two-Photon Polymerization (TPP) is the first comprehensive guide to TPP microfabrication-essential reading for researchers and engineers in areas where miniaturization of complex structures is key, such as in the optics, microelectronics, and medical device industries. TPP stands out among microfabrication techniques because of its versatility, low costs, and straightforward chemistry. TPP microfabrication attracts increasing attention among researchers and is increasingly employed in a range of industries where miniaturization of complex structures is crucial: metamaterials, plasmonics, tissue engineering, and microfluidics, for example. Despite its increasing importance and potential for many more applications, no single book to date is dedicated to the subject. This comprehensive guide, edited by Professor Baldacchini and written by internationally renowned experts, fills this gap and includes a unified description of TPP microfabrication across disciplines. The guide covers all aspects of TPP, including the pros and cons of TPP microfabrication compared to other techniques, as well as practical information on material selection, equipment, processes, and characterization. Current and future applications are covered and case studies provided as well as challenges for adoption of TPP microfabrication techniques in other areas are outlined. The freeform capability of TPP is illustrated with numerous scanning electron microscopy images.

Design and Manufacture of Plastic Components for Multifunctionality: Structural Composites, Injection Molding, and 3D Printing presents the latest information on how plastics manufacturers are increasingly being driven towards carbon emission reduction, lightweighting, and cost savings through process integration. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize future products with built-in functionality such as sensors, smart packaging, and damage detection technology for everything from milk bottles and salad packaging to automotive bumpers and plane fuselages. This book introduces the three core manufacturing methods for multifunctional materials, composites, injection molding, and 3D printing, all processes facing challenges for the implementation of new technology. Users will find a book that brings together both process and material advances in this area, giving process engineers, designers, and manufacturers the information they need to choose the appropriate material and process for the product they are developing.

Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) is an industrially important material which is not treated specifically in any other book. "

Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Based Blends, Composites and Nanocomposites" fills this gap and systematically guides the reader through all aspects of PET and its blends, composites and nanocomposites. It covers theoretical fundamentals, nanocomposites preparation, modification techniques, structure-property relationships, characterisation of the different blends and composites, and material choice for specific applications.

Consisting of contributions from experts in the field this book is a useful reference for the researchers and engineers working on the development and characterization of PET materials as well as on implementing them in real-world products. It can also be used as a standard reference for deeper insight in the mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical and visco-elastic aspects in product design decisions.
Provides a systematic overview on all types of poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET) based blends, composites and nanocomposites

Informs about characterization, structure-property relationships and types of modifications

Links material properties to specific applications, enabling engineers to make the best material choice to increase product performance and cost efficiency, in industries ranging from aerospace to energy

Sustainability is an issue that increasingly concerns all those involved in the apparel industry, including textile manufacturers, apparel designers, retailers and consumers. This important book covers recent advances and novel technologies in the key areas of production, processing and recycling of apparel. Part One addresses sustainable finishing and dyeing processes for textiles. The first two chapters concentrate on the environmental impact of fabric finishing, including water consumption, emissions and waste management. Further chapters focus on plasma and enzymatic treatments for sustainable textile processing, and the potential for improving the sustainability of dyeing technologies. Part Two covers issues of design, retail and recycling, and includes discussions of public attitudes towards sustainability in fashion, methods of measuring apparel sustainability and social trends in the re-use of apparel.

Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.

Chitin is the second most abundant natural polymer in the world after cellulose, mainly derived from the food waste of shrimp and crabs. Chitosan is the most important derivative of chitin. Thanks to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and versatile chemical and physical properties, chitin and chitosan derivatives are used in a wide variety of applications, including water treatment, cosmetics and toiletries, food and beverages, healthcare/medical, and agrochemicals. Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy covers all major aspects of chitin and chitosan, including structure, biosynthesis, biodegradation, properties of chitin and derivatives, applications, and market. It offers a special focus on the bioeconomy, which is the renewable segment of the circular economy. Describes the structure, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of chitin and chitosan Covers chitin- and chitosan-based products Details valorization of these materials Presents information on shell biorefineries Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy serves as a reference for polymer scientists and engineers and is also accessible to economists and advanced students.

Today's shortages of resources make the search for wear and corrosion resistant materials one of the most important tasks of the next century. Since the surface of a material is the location where any interaction occurs, it is that there the hardest requirements on the material are imposed: to be wear resistant for tools and bearings; to be corrosion resistant for turbine blades and tubes in the petrochemical industry; to be antireflecting for solar cells; to be decorative for architectural panels and to combine several of these properties in other applications. Surface engineering is the general term that incorporates all the techniques by which a surface modification can be accomplished. These techniques include both coating and modification of the surface by ion implantation and laser beam melting. In recent years a continuously growing number of these techniques were developed to the extent that it became more and more difficult to maintain an overlook and to understand which of these highly differentiated techniques might be applied to resolve a given surface engineering problem. A similar development is also occuring for surface characterization techniques. This volume contains contributions from renowned scientists and engineers to the Eurocourse the aim of which was to inform about the various techniques and to give a comprehensive survey of the latest development on this subject.

Recent Advances in Smart Self-Healing Polymers and Composites examines the advances made in smart materials over the last few decades and their significant applications in aerospace, automotive, civil, mechanical, medical, and communication engineering fields. Based on a thorough review of the literature, the book identifies "smart self-healing polymers and composites" as one of the most popular, challenging, and promising areas of research. Readers will find valuable information compiled by a large pool of researchers who not only studied the latest datasets, but also reached out to leading contributors for insights and forward-thinking analogies.

Thermoplastic Material Selection: A Practical Guide presents current information on how proper material selection is a critical component of any manufactured product. The text is a practical guide to a difficult process, giving the reader a fundamental grounding in thermoplastic materials and providing the tools they need to save time, money, and frustration. The book provides an overview of the most commonly used thermoplastic materials, including discussions of the different chemical families, plastics categories, and material grades - and the implications of these differences on the material selection process. It provides fresh insights on the traditional methods of material selection based on performance and cost, and also discusses the use of non-traditional methods based on subjective evaluation. Subsequent sections include references on tools that can be used to conduct further exploration, how to accurately select the most suitable material, writing an effective material specification, and working with material suppliers and distributors.

The polyurethane industry is among the fastest growing, with polyurethanes used in consumer as well as industrial sectors. Waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) exhibit many advantages over conventional volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based polyurethanes and have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative. WPUs offer an opportunity to use sustainable raw materials to produce environmentally sustainable polymers, particularly, polyols derived from vegetable oils. Eco-Friendly Waterborne Polyurethanes: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications provides state-of-the-art knowledge of the synthesis, application, and property enhancement of WPUs. Covers various types of eco-friendly materials and technologies used to synthesize WPUs Presents an overview and applications of WPUs in several advanced research areas Provides fundamentals of synthetic processes and their chemistries for specific applications Elaborates on advanced approaches used to convert renewable resources into polymers Offers new direction to scientists, researchers, and students to better understand the chemistry, technologies, and applications Written for polymer chemists, materials scientists, and other researchers and industry, this book serves as a comprehensive reference for readers interested in the development and application of sustainable polymers.