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.

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.

"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.

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.

A practical introduction to one of today's most exciting and rapidly growing areas of polymer science.

Introduction to Ionomers affords chemists, engineers, and graduate students an opportunity to familiarize themselves quickly and thoroughly with one of today's most commercially important classes of polymers. Featuring a balanced, fully integrated presentation of basic science and state-of-the-art applications, the book provides the depth of knowledge researchers need to make optimal use of established ionomeric processes or to develop new systems of their own.

The book's primary conceptual thrust is the relationship between polymeric architecture and polymeric morphology and properties when affected by ionic groups. While it provides in-depth coverage of all common classes of ionomeric materials—including polystyrenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, and polyacrylics—non-crystalline materials are emphasized over partly-crystalline materials. Co-author Adi Eisenberg, a leading ionomer pioneer and innovator, provides a uniquely intimate historical perspective on the field as it has developed over the past three decades.

Newcomers to ionomers will appreciate the authors' clear and methodical presentations of difficult concepts, designed to promote rapid mastery of the core principles involved. The product of an exhaustive survey of the huge and rapidly growing world literature on the subject, Introduction to Ionomers is also an excellent resource for experienced professionals attempting to stay abreast of important recent developments in the field.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of smart polymers which give scientists the ability to process the material into a permanent state and predefine a second temporary state which can be triggered by different stimuli. The changing chemistries of SMPs allows scientists to tailor important properties such as strength, stiffness, elasticity and expansion rate. Consequently SMPs are being increasingly used and developed for minimally invasive applications where the material can expand and develop post insertion. This book will provide readers with a comprehensive review of shape memory polymer technologies. Part 1 will discuss the fundamentals and mechanical aspects of SMPs. Chapters in part 2 will look at the range of technologies and materials available for scientific manipulation whilst the final set of chapters will review applications.

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

The book has five chapters, each containing invaluable information for PVC manufacturers, processors, and users. In the first introductory chapter, the new product development and product reengineering tools and market for PVC products are discussed. In the second chapter, polymer properties determining its proper selection are discussed. Commercial types and grades, polymer forms, and physical-chemical properties of PVC are discussed in detail. All essential information required for the decision-making process is presented in a clear form in order to provide the reader with the necessary data. The third chapter contains information aiding in the selection of any required additives. Twenty-four groups of additives are used in PVC processing to improve its properties and obtain the set of product characteristics required by the end-user. Similar to the previous chapter, the information is concise but contains much-needed data to aid the reader in product development and reformulation. The fourth chapter contains about 600 formulations of products belonging to 23 categories derived from characteristic methods of production. Formulations come from patents, publications in journals, and from suggestions of raw material suppliers. A broad selection of formulations is used in each category to determine the essential components of formulations used in a particular method of processing, the most important parameters of successful products, troubleshooting information, and suggestions of further sources of information on the method of processing. This part results from a review of thousands of patents, over two thousands of research papers, and information available from manufacturers of polymers and additives. The final chapter contains data on PVC and its products. The data are assigned to one of the following sections: general data and nomenclature, chemical composition and properties, physical properties, mechanical properties, health and safety, environmental information, use and application information. The data are based on information contained in over 1450 research papers and it presents the most comprehensive set of data on PVC ever assembled. The concept of this and a companion book (PVC Degradation & Stabilization, new edition will be published in 2015) is to provide the reader with complete information and data required to formulate successful and durable products or to evaluate formulations on the background of compositions used by others. For scientists and students, these two books give a complete set of the most up-to-date information, state-of-the-art, and data required for the development of new ideas and learning from a comprehensive review contributed by the author of 5 books on PVC written in the last 30 years.

This convenient, bench-top manual highlights typical preparative methods for a wide range of polymer types. The Sourcebook emphasizes practical laboratory procedures for a selection of syntheses that are representative of a given class of starting materials and polymerization techniques. The choice of material reflects the extensive industrial experience of the authors, saves on tedious literature searching when planning laboratory procedures, and includes specific laboratory directions that can be used as models for many related preparations.
Key Features
* Represents a"cookbook"in the best sense of the term
* Reflects the practical, industrial experience of the authors in the selection of materials
* Includes an extensive section on the methodology of emulsion polymerization
* Presents preparative examples that can be used as models for many related syntheses

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.

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.

A guide to designing safer polymers based on the principles of green chemistry and the EPA’s Polymer Exemption Rule

Green chemistry, the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances, is a powerful tool in designing safer polymers. By adhering to the principles of green chemistry, manufacturers can produce polymers that are better for the environment, and can do so in an economically sound manner.

The Polymer Exemption Rule delineates types of polymers that are expected to be of reduced risk. By following the guidelines contained within the Polymer Exemption Rule, manufacturers may decrease their regulatory requirements while designing polymers that are environmentally benign.

This valuable guide approaches the manufacture of polymers from two perspectives, incorporating the principles of green chemistry with the guidance of the Polymer Exemption Rule to design environmentally benign polymers. Designing Safer Polymers is an indispensable working resource for polymer scientists and engineers, as well as corporate decision makers working in the polymer and chemical industries.

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

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

This book deals with the polymers, different methods of synthesis, and synthesis of composites, as well as the different techniques used for polymer characterization. Most of the world's industries extract the anomalous properties of polymers to make excellent cost-effective materials. Because of this, the types of polymers, their processing, and the analysis of their various properties are very significant. Readers will gain a thorough knowledge about the processing of different types of polymers and composites made from them, as well as their various applications. Suitable for classroom use but especially important for researchers, this book addresses: Adhesion of amorphous polymers with vitrified bulk and surface glass transition Functionalized biopolymers and their applications A new synthesis of p-Cresol-Adipamide-Formaldehyde copolymer resin and its applications as an ion-changer Correlating performance of commercial viscosity modifiers for formulating shear stable industrial lubricants Synthesis of phthalonitrile polymers in ionic liquid and microwave media Studies on nanocomposite polymer electrolytes doped with Ca3(PO4)2 for lithium batteries

This book provides an abundance of information about the science and application of nanoparticles in the creation of nanocomposite materials, covering the synthesis, properties, and applications of nanomaterials. Written by experts in their fields, the chapters provide important updates on a number of aspects of nanomaterials and their practical applications to create new materials, particularly polymer composite materials. The book is an outgrowth of notes the authors have compiled and used to teach advanced courses on polymers for many years. Useful for engineers and researchers, the book also functions as a highly practical and useful ancillary text for advanced-level students studying nanomaterials and polymer science.

Through a balanced combination of theory and experiments, this book provides a detailed overview of the main and most up-to-date advances in the area of polymeric materials. Because the subject is essentially interdisciplinary and brings together scientists and engineers with different educational backgrounds, the book offers a research-oriented exposition of the fundamentals as well. The book is based on the editors' and authors' extensive experience in research, development, and education in the field of materials science, and especially polymer testing, polymer diagnostics, and failure analysis. A comprehensive coverage of the methods of polymer testing is provided along with the results of the authors' work on deformation and fracture behavior of polymers. This book will be useful to faculty as well as advanced-level students in materials science, materials technology, plastic technology, mechanical engineering, process engineering, and chemical engineering.

This book presents some fascinating phenomena associated with the remarkable features of high performance polymers and also provides an update on applications of modern polymers. It offers new research on structure-property relationships, synthesis and purification, and potential applications of high performance polymers. The collection of topics in this book reflects the diversity of recent advances in modern polymers with a broad perspective that will be useful for scientists as well as for graduate students and engineers. The book opens with a presentation of classical models, moving on to increasingly more complex quantum mechanical and dynamical theories. Coverage and examples are drawn from modern polymers. Topics include high performance polymers and computer science integration in biochemical, green polymers, molecular nanotechnology, and industrial chemistry.

This book covers the theory of the strength of laminated and reinforced structures made of polymer materials with regard to the changeability of physico-chemical properties is examined. It presents an experimental-theoretical method on the definition of physico-mechanical properties of polymers composite materials and polymerized bundles made of fibers with emphasis on the changes of physico-chemical properties of the materials. With mathematical strictness, the experimental and theoretical studies presented here will aid in the development of reliable methods and new practices of analyzing structures with the influence of chemically aggressive liquids and gases and in the creation of specific production structures that will withstand corrosive environments.

This book presents the analysis of up-to-date techniques used for the determination of acid-base properties in view of their applicability to examination of solid organic and inorganic surfaces. The studies have been carried out by the authors since 1993, showing experimental data on surface properties of more than 150 polymers, such as carbocatenary and heterochain polymers, copolymers and their blends, as well as different epoxy and rubber compositions used in adhesive joints. The adhesive ability of metal-polymer systems based on epoxy compositions, polyolefins, and rubbers was studied as a function of absolute difference in acid-base properties of adhesive and adherends, and the possibility to predict adhesive interaction on this basis was experimentally verified. The book shows the important role that acid-base interactions play in establishing interfacial adhesive-adherent contact and outlines practical recommendations regarding parameters of quantitative estimation of acid-base surface properties that implies the relationship with adhesive ability in polymer-metal systems. Creating polymeric materials with greater strength characteristics when in contact with metals is the most important problem when adhesive joints are designed. The authors obtained experimental data for thermodynamic and acid-base properties of about 200 organic and inorganic surfaces that find a wide practical application. These results may be used as a reference source to predict the adhesive ability of different coating systems. The possibility to predict adhesive interaction of adhesive with adherend, taking into account the absolute difference in their acidity and basicity, was verified experimentally.

With contributions from experts from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in polymer products and chemical processes. It incorporates appropriate case studies, explanatory notes, and schematics for more clarity and better understanding. This new book: * Features a collection of articles that highlight some important areas of current interest in polymer products and chemical processes * Gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polymer chemistry * Familiarizes readers with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physicochemical, and purely physical methods of examination * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician, and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development

This volume highlights the latest developments and trends in advanced polyblends and their structures. It presents the developments of advanced polyblends and respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. The book provides important original and theoretical experimental results that use non-routine methodologies often unfamiliar to many readers. Furthermore chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems are included, which indicate the need for the new experimental approaches that are presented. Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. Up-to-date projects in creation of new materials go along the way of nanotechnology. With contributions from experts from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in the identified areas. This book incorporates appropriate case studies, explanatory notes, and schematics for more clarity and better understanding. The book is designed as a textbook for postgraduate students, as a teaching support for the faculty, as a reference book for early research career beginners, and as a reference book for the scientific community at large for understanding the significance of modern materials and chemical engineering. This book will be useful for chemists, chemical engineers, technologists, and students interested in advanced nano-polymers with complex behavior and their applications This new book: * Gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polyblends and composites * Familiarizes the reader with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physicochemical, and purely physical methods of examination * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development

The aim of this new compendium is to provide a solid understanding of the recent developments in advanced polymeric materials from macro- to nano-length scales. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve our quality of life, such as being put into service in flight vehicles, automobiles, boats, pipelines, buildings, roads, bridges, and dozens of other products, including medical products. The chapters cover a multitude of important advances, including explanations of the significance of the new fillers, like graphene and carbon nanotubes, in different matrix systems. Coverage of the application of these materials in biological and others fields also makes this book unique. Topics include advances on the processing, properties, recyclability, and reparability, and applications for polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, carbon matrix composites, wood-based composites, biocomposites, ecocomposites, nanocomposites, and more.

This book focuses on the recent trends in micro- and nano-structured polymer systems, particularly natural polymers, biopolymers, biomaterials, and their composites, blends, and IPNs. This valuable volume covers the occurrence, synthesis, isolation, production, properties and applications, modification, as well as the relevant analysis techniques to reveal the structures and properties of polymer systems. Biobased polymer blends and composites occupy a unique position in the dynamic world of new biomaterials. The growing need for lubricious coatings and surfaces in medical devices-an outcome of the move from invasive to noninvasive medicines and procedures-is playing a major role in the advancement of biomaterials technology. Natural polymers have attained their cutting-edge technology through various platforms, and this book presents a multitude of information about them. Topics include biopolymer-synthetic systems, nanomaterial-polymer structures, multi-characterization techniques, polymer blends and composites, polymer gels and polyelectrolytes, and many other interesting aspects of interests to researchers. This book will be valuable to scientists, physicians, pharmacists, engineers, and other specialists in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial.