Processing Technology for Bio-Based Polymers: Advanced Strategies and Practical Aspects brings together the latest advances and novel technologies surrounding the synthesis and manufacture of biopolymers, ranging from bio-based polymers to synthetic polymers from bio-derived monomers. Sections examine bio-based polymer chemistry, discuss polymerization process and emerging design technologies, cover manufacturing and processing approaches, explain cutting-edge approaches and innovative applications, and focus on biomedicals and other key application areas. Final chapters provide detailed discussion and an analysis of economic and environmental concerns, practical considerations, challenges, opportunities and future trends. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students in polymer science, bio-based materials, nanomaterials, plastics engineering, biomaterials, chemistry, biotechnology, and materials science and engineering, as well as R&D professionals, engineers and industrialists interested in the development of biopolymers for advanced products and applications.

Polymer-Based Advanced Functional Composites for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications explains how polymer-based smart composites and nanocomposites can be prepared and utilized for novel optical, sensor and energy-related applications. The book begins with an introductory section on the fundamentals of smart polymer composites, including structure-property relationships and conjugated polymers. Other sections examine optical applications, including the use of polymer-based smart composites for luminescent solar concentrators, electro-chromic applications, light conversion applications, ultraviolet shielding applications, LED encapsulation applications, sensor applications, including gas-sensing, strain sensing, robotics and tactile sensors, with final sections covering energy-related applications, including energy harvesting, conversion, storage, vibrational energy harvesting, and more. This is an essential guide for researchers, scientists and advanced students in smart polymers and materials, polymer science, composites, nanocomposites, electronics and materials science. It is also a valuable book for scientists, R&D professionals and engineers working with products that could utilize smart polymer composites.

Engineered Polymeric Fibrous Materials explains cutting edge techniques for the engineering of fibrous materials from physical, mechanical, and chemical points of view. Both conventional and nanofibers are described in this uniquely comprehensive book, for a wide range of applications including biomedical, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, energy, and environmental. This book refers to recent advances made in both academia and industry, in topics such as fiber-reinforced composites, fibrous thermal insulators, drug delivery and tissue engineering, and smart textiles and energy, and explains how fibrous structures are engineered to offer new solutions to important problems. The first two chapters provide basic introductory information to allow a wider range of readers to engage with the book.

Conducting Polymer-Based Nanocomposites: Fundamentals and Applications delivers an up-to-date overview on cutting-edge advancements in the field of nanocomposites derived from conjugated polymeric matrices. Design of conducting polymers and resultant nanocomposites has instigated significant addition in the field of modern nanoscience and technology. Recently, conducting polymer-based nanocomposites have attracted considerable academic and industrial research interest. The conductivity and physical properties of conjugated polymers have shown dramatic improvement with nanofiller addition. Appropriate fabrication strategies and the choice of a nanoreinforcement, along with a conducting matrix, may lead to enhanced physicochemical features and material performance. Substantial electrical conductivity, optical features, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and other physical properties of the conducting polymer-based nanocomposites have led to high-performance materials and high-tech devices and applications. This book begins with a widespread impression of state-of-the-art knowledge in indispensable features and processing of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites. It then discusses essential categories of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and derived nanomaterials. Subsequent sections of this book are related to the potential impact of conducting polymer-based nanocomposites in various technical fields. Significant application areas have been identified for anti-corrosion, EMI shielding, sensing, and energy device relevance. Finally, the book covers predictable challenges and future opportunities in the field of conjugated nanocomposites.

The Effect of Long Term Thermal Exposure on Plastics and Elastomers, Second Edition brings together a wide range of essential data on the effect of long-term thermal exposure on plastics and elastomers, enabling engineers to make optimal material choices and design decisions. This second edition has been thoroughly revised to include the latest data and materials. This highly valuable handbook will support engineers, product designers, R&D professionals, and scientists who are working on plastics products or parts for high temperature environments across a range of industries. This readily available data will make it easy for practitioners to learn about plastic materials and their long- term thermal exposure without having to search the general literature or depend on suppliers. This book will also be of interest to researchers and advanced students in plastics engineering, polymer processing, coatings, and materials science and engineering.

Polymer-Based Separators for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Production, Processing, and Properties takes a detailed, systematic approach to the development of polymer separators for lithium-ion batteries, supporting the reader in selecting materials and processes for high-performance polymer separators with enhanced properties. The book begins by introducing the polymeric materials that may be used for separators, as well as characterization techniques, before presenting the available technologies used to produce separators for use in lithium-ion batteries. Each technology is discussed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen approach, with the properties of the separators made via each technology also summarized and compared in detail. In addition, areas for further development are addressed, and the limitations of current materials and separators in achieving those goals are highlighted. This is a valuable resource for scientists and engineers in the industry who work on polymer-based battery separators, polymers for electronic/energy applications, and new materials and processes for lithium-ion batteries. In academia, this book will be of interest to researchers and advanced students across the fields of polymer science, materials science, electronics, energy, and chemical engineering.

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites: From Synthesis to Applications offers extensive coverage of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and their nanocomposites, including their synthesis, characterization, interfacial interactions and advanced applications. Sections introduce essentials, information on their preparation and discussions on polymeric materials, including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, polymer blends and IPNs. Further sections cover the latest analysis techniques, examine the properties of POSS-polymer nanocomposites, and discuss key application areas, such as biological, energy, defense, and space. Finally, issues surrounding industry implementation and lifecycle are explored. This is a valuable reference for researchers, scientists and advanced students in the areas of polymer composites and nanocomposites, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer science, and materials science and engineering. In an industrial setting, this book will be of great interest to scientists, R&D professionals, and engineers across industries and disciplines.

Natural Polyphenols from Wood: Tannin and Lignin - An Industrial Perspective is a detailed guide to the sourcing and processing of tannin and lignin for valuable advanced applications across areas such as fuels, chemicals, drugs, and food. Drawing on the latest academic research and patent literature, this book provides strong practical understanding of the use of these valuable materials in novel industrial applications. This book introduces natural polyphenols from wood and the fundamental aspects of carbon management within the tree. In-depth presentation of extraction and characterization methods is followed by an extensive coverage of practical and industrial applications of wood polyphenols. This is an essential resource for researchers and advanced students working with lignin or tannin, and across biopolymer science, biomass, wood chemistry, paper, wood adhesives, polymer materials, renewable resources, and biotechnology. It also supports industrial R&D and scientists working with wood polyphenols or bio-based polymers.

Handbook of Fillers, Fifth 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. Designed to be a comprehensive reference for both experienced practitioners and those new to the field, it covers available fillers and their properties, their effect on filled materials, their rheology and flammability, recycling considerations, and their use in practical applications. The book offers a direct comparison of general-purpose fillers (micron-size fillers) and nanofillers. The first section covers the grades of fillers available in the world market, dividing them into eight groups and analyzing their properties, applications, and sources. The second section discusses the effects of filler incorporation with ten chapters covering the mechanical properties of compounded materials, the effect of the filler on the material rheology, the morphology of the filled system, the material durability, flammability and recycling, the structure of interphase, chemical interphase, chemical interactions, interaction with and effect on other additive, fillers use in material compounds, and the analytical methods of testing fillers and filled materials. The final section is devoted to the application of fillers on an industrial scale. Filler transportation, storage, processing, and equipment used for these purposes are discussed, as are quality control of fillers, formulation with fillers, different processing methods, and health and safety issues.

Polymers used in electronics and electrical engineering are essential to the development of high-tech products, with applications in space, aviation, health, automotive, communication, robotics, consumer products, and beyond. Typical features of mainstream polymers such as mechanical performance, optical behavior, and environmental stability frequently need to be enhanced to perform in these demanding applications, creating the need to develop special grades or use completely new chemistry for their synthesis. Similarly, the typical set of properties included in the description of mainstream polymers are not sufficient for polymer selection for these applications, as they require different data, data that is meticulously detailed in the Handbook of Polymers for Electronics. The book provides readers with the most up-to-date information from the existing literature, manufacturing data, and patent filings. Presenting data for all polymers based on a consistent pattern of arrangement, the book provides details organized into the following sections: General; history; synthesis; structure; commercial polymers; physical properties; electrical properties; mechanical properties; chemical resistance; flammability; weather stability; thermal stability; biodegradation; toxicity; environmental impact; processing; blends; analysis. The contents, scope, treatment and novelty of the data makes this book an essential resource for anyone working with polymeric materials used in modern electronic applications.

Databook of Antiblocking, Release, and Slip Additives, Second Edition contains detailed information on over 300 important additives for polymers, including additives that are used to minimize adhesion, aid separation, and enhance processing and end-applications for polymers. Each additive is presented with data in the following categories: General Information, Physical Properties, Health and Safety, Ecological Properties, and Use and Performance. Data fields covered include state, odor, color, autoignition temperature, probability of biodegradation, and much more. Recommendations are given for specific products, processing methods, and mold materials, and an assessment is given for each additive's features and benefits.

Food, Medical, and Environmental Applications of Polysaccharides provides a detailed resource for those interested in the design and preparation of polysaccharides for state-of-the-art applications. The book begins with an introductory section covering sources, chemistry, architectures, bioactivity, and chemical modifications of polysaccharides. Subsequent parts of the book are organized by field, with chapters focusing on specific applications across food, medicine, and the environment. This is an extremely valuable book for researchers, scientists, and advanced students in biopolymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, materials science, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, medicine, food science, and environmental science. This important class of biopolymer can offer attractive properties and modification potential, enabling its use in groundbreaking areas across food, medical, and environmental fields. The book will be of interest to scientists, R&D professionals, designers, and engineers who utilize polysaccharide-based materials.

Biopolymers and Their Industrial Applications: From Plant, Animal, and Marine Sources to Functional Products is a detailed guide to the use of biopolymers for advanced applications across a range of key industries. In terms of processing and cost, bio-based polymers are becoming increasingly viable for an ever-broadening range of novel industrial applications. The book begins with an overview of biopolymers, explaining resources, demands, sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling and simulation, and classifications. Further in-depth chapters explore the latest techniques and methodologies for isolation and physicochemical characterization, materials selection, and processing for blends and composites. Chapters 6 to 14 each focus on the preparation and applications of biopolymers in a specific industrial area, including food science and nutraceuticals, medicine and pharmaceuticals, textiles, cosmeceutical, packaging, adhesives and automotive, 3D printing, super capacitor and energy storage devices, and environmental applications. The final chapter compares and analyzes biopolymers alongside synthetic polymers, also offering valuable insight into social, economic, and environmental aspects. This is an essential resource for those seeking to understand, research, or utilize biopolymers in industrial applications. This includes researchers, scientists, and advanced students working in biopolymers, polymer science, polymer chemistry, biomaterials, materials science, nanotechnology, composites, and biotechnology. This is a highly valuable book for scientists, R&D professionals, designers, and engineers across multiple industries and disciplines, who are looking to utilize biopolymers for components and products.

Advanced Joining Processes: Welding, Plastic Deformation, and Adhesion brings together a range of advanced thermal, mechanical, and chemical methods of joining, offering an up-to-date resource for those looking to understand and utilize the very latest techniques. Efficient joining techniques are critical to a range of innovative applications, with technology in constant development. The first section of the book provides in-depth information on advanced welding techniques, including friction stir, explosive, ultrasonic, laser, electron beam, and computational weld analysis and fatigue of structures. The second section highlights key developments in joining by plastic deformation, adhesive bonding, and hybrid joining. The coverage of each technique is supported by practical guidance, detailed analysis, and finite element simulations. This is an essential reference for researchers and advanced students in joining, welding, adhesion, materials processing, mechanical engineering, plastics engineering, manufacturing, civil engineering, and automotive/aerospace engineering, as well as engineers, scientists, and R&D professionals, using joining, welding, and adhesion methods, across a range of industries.

Analytical Pyrolysis of Natural Organic Polymers, Second Edition, Volume 20 describes the methodology of analytical pyrolysis, the results of pyrolysis for a variety of biopolymers, and several practical applications of analytical pyrolysis on natural organic polymers and their composite materials. The book describes the results of pyrolysis for biopolymers and some chemically modified natural organic polymers. In addition, the many applications of analytical pyrolysis are covered in detail, including topics such as polymer detection used in forensic science, structure elucidation of specific polymers, and identification of small molecules present in polymers (anti-oxidants, plasticizers, etc.).

The Effect of Radiation on Properties of Polymers examines the effects of radiation on plastics and elastomers. Polymers are required in products or parts for a range of cutting-edge applications that are exposed to radiation, in areas such as space, medicine, and radiation processing. This book focuses on the effects of radiation exposure within that environment, providing in-depth data coverage organized by category of polymer. Aspects such as radiation impact on mechanical and thermal properties, including glass transition and heat deflection temperatures, are described, demonstrating how changes in these properties affect the performance of plastic or elastomer parts. The effect of radiation on electrical properties is also included. Supporting introductory chapters explain the key concepts of radiation, including the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of plastics and elastomers. This is a vital resource for plastics engineers, product designers, and R&D professionals, working on products or parts for radioactive environments, as well as engineers and scientists in the medical, nuclear, and radiation processing industries. The book also supports researchers and scientists in plastics engineering, polymer processing and properties, polymer and coatings chemistry, materials science, and radiation.

Generation of Polymers and Nanomaterials at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces: Application to Crystalline, Light Emitting, and Energy Materials, Second Edition is an innovative guide to the synthesis and processing of materials through liquid-liquid interfaces. This second edition has been revised and expanded, with a new chapter on light emitting materials and increased emphasis towards applications. The book aims to highlight the versatility of the interface between two liquids, providing a unique environment for synthesizing materials with highly tuned, desirable properties. In this revised and expanded second edition, the advanced applications of the synthesized materials and the two-phase systems are highlighted, with real potential within flexible electronics, energy storage, enhanced oil recovery, and sensors. This is supported by detailed coverage of interfacial processes and the fundamental physical chemistry behind them. The first two chapters provide an overview of interfaces in natural and biological systems, and outline the fundamental properties of the interface. Chapters 3 and 4 are devoted to the synthesis and self-organization of nanoparticles and polymers through interfacial systems. The synthesis of conductive, fluorescent and conventional polymers and their properties are extensively covered. Chapters 5 and 6 focus on novel applications. This book is of interest to researchers, scientists, and advanced students, in polymer synthesis, polymer chemistry, polymer science, nanomaterials and nanotechnology, polymer composites, materials science, energy, flexible electronics, and chemical engineering. In industry, this supports scientists, R&D, and other professionals, working with polymeric materials for applications in energy, electronics, sensors, and oil & gas.

Lightweight and Sustainable Composites Materials: Preparation, Properties and Applications focuses on the synthesis, processing and characterization of these materials, their environmental sustainability features, compatibility with composites and their broad range of commercial and industrial application fields. The combination of being both lightweight and sustainable results in unique properties that make them suitable for a broad range of advanced commercial engineering applications. The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers and material scientists and engineers working in the development of lightweight and sustainable composite materials. As recent studies on these materials reveal that they process excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties as well as improving environmental sustainability, this book is a welcomed resource.

A Practical Guide to Plastics Sustainability: Concept, Solutions, and Implementation is a groundbreaking reference work offering a broad, detailed and highly practical vision of the complex concept of sustainability in plastics. The book's aim is to present a range of potential pathways towards more sustainable plastics parts and products, enabling the reader to further integrate the idea of sustainability into their design process. It begins by introducing the context and concept of sustainability, discussing perceptions, drivers of change, key factors, and environmental issues, before presenting a detailed outline of the current situation with types of plastics, processing, and opportunities for improved sustainability. Subsequent chapters focus on the different possibilities for improved sustainability, offering a step-by-step technical approach to areas including design, properties, renewable plastics, and recycling and re-use. Each of these pillars are supported by data, examples, analysis and best practice guidance. Finally, the latest developments and future possibilities are considered.

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

Monodispersed Particles, Second Edition, covers all aspects of monodispersed particles, including inorganic and polymer particles and their composites. The book consists of four parts: fundamentals, preparation, analyses, and applications. Specifically, the fundamental part covers the theoretical insight into the surface energy of particles and its application to the formulation of the new theories of nucleation, growth and habit formation of monodispersed particles. In addition, the theories of recrystallization and solid-solution formation are introduced. These fundamental theories are applied to the precise control of their size, size distribution, shape, internal structure, and composition, leading to the design of diverse monodispersed functional particles widely used in basic science and modern industry. This second edition is fully updated and revised, detailing new theories and recent progress in the field of nanoparticles, including advanced nucleation theory, arrested growth mechanism for monodispersed nanoparticles, and energetics of habit formation. Additionally, the text covers in-depth insights into the anisotropic growth of Au and Ag nanoparticles, the formation mechanisms of polycrystalline Au spheres, iron oxide nanoparticles in heat-up and hot-injection processes, amorphous TiO2 spheres in a sol-gel system, anatase TiO2 in a gel-sol system and their shape control, AgCl nanoparticles in a reverse micelle system, organic-inorganic hybrid liquid crystals, and extensive biomedical applications.

Engineering Textiles: Integrating the Design and Manufacture of Textile Products, Second Edition, is a pioneering guide to textile product design and development, enabling the reader to understand essential principles, concepts, materials and applications. This new edition is updated and expanded to include new and emerging topics, design concepts and technologies, such as sustainability, the use of nanotechnology, and wearable textiles. Chapters cover the essential concepts of fiber-to-fabric engineering, product development and design of textile products, different types of fibers, yarns and fabrics, the structure, characteristics and design of textiles, and the development of products for specific applications, including both traditional and technical textiles. This book is an innovative and highly valuable source of information for anyone engaged in textile product design and development, including engineers, textile technologists, manufacturers, product developers, and researchers and students in textile engineering.

Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers presents the latest research on natural polymer-based hydrogels, covering fundamentals, preparation methods, synthetic pathways, advanced properties, major application areas, and novel characterization techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each natural polymer-based hydrogel are also discussed, enabling preparation tactics for specific properties and applications. Sections cover fundamentals, development, characteristics, structures and properties. Additional chapters cover presentation methods and properties based on natural polymers, including physical and chemical properties, stimuli-responsive properties, self-healing properties, and biological properties. The final section presents major applications areas, including the biomedical field, agriculture, water treatments, and the food industry. This is a highly valuable resource for academic researchers, scientists and advanced students working with hydrogels and natural polymers, as well as across the fields of polymer science, polymer chemistry, plastics engineering, biopolymers and biomaterials. The detailed information will also be of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals, product designers, technicians and engineers across industries.

Handbook of Natural Polymers, Volume One: Sources, Synthesis, and Characterization is a comprehensive resource covering extraction and processing methods for polymers from natural sources, with an emphasis on the latest advances. Sections cover the current state-of-the-art, challenges and opportunities in natural polymers. Following sections cover extraction, synthesis and characterization methods organized by polymer type. Along with broad chapters discussing approaches to starch-based and polysaccharide-based polymers, dedicated chapters offer in-depth information on nanocellulose, chitin and chitosan, gluten, alginate, natural rubber, gelatin, pectin, lignin, keratin, gutta percha, shellac, silk, wood, casein, albumin, collagen, hemicellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, zein, soya protein, and gum. Final chapters explore other key themes, including filler interactions and properties in natural polymer-based composites, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, and biodegradability, life cycle, and recycling. Throughout the book, information is supported by data, and guidance is offered regarding potential scale-up and industry factors.

Advances in Structural Adhesive Bonding, Second Edition reviews developments in adhesive bonding for a range of advanced structural engineering applications. This new edition has been fully revised to include the latest advances in materials, testing and modeling methods, lifecycle considerations, and industrial implementation. Sections review advances in commonly used groups of structural adhesives, covering epoxy, acrylic, anaerobic and cyanoacrylate, polyurethane, and silicone adhesives, along with toughening. Other chapters cover various types of adherends and pre-treatment methods for structural materials, including metals, plastics, composites, wood and joint design and testing, including topics such as fracture mechanics, life prediction techniques, and advanced testing methods. This is a valuable guide for all those working with structural adhesives, including those in an industrial setting, adhesive specialists, structural engineers, design engineers, R&D professionals, and scientists, as well as academic researchers and advanced students in adhesives, joining technology, materials science and mechanical engineering.