Applications of Polyurethanes in Medical Devices provides detailed coverage of polyurethane (PU) chemistry, processing and preparation for performant medical devices. Polyurethanes have found many uses in medical applications, due to their biocompatibility, biostability, physical properties, surface polarity, and the ability to suit the field of application. This book enables the reader to understand polyurethane and how this valuable material can be used in medical devices. Sections cover the chemistry, structure, and properties of polyurethane, with in-depth sections examining raw materials, reaction chemistry, synthesis techniques, reaction kinetics, material microstructure, and structure-property relationships. Subsequent chapters demonstrate how polyurethane can be utilized in medical device applications, examining biological properties, rheology and processing before methodical coverage explains how polyurethane may be used for each category of medical device. Finally, future directions, and safety and environmental aspects, are covered.

Plant Fibers, their Composites, and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent research into plant fibers, including the synthesis of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites, characterization techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. Plant fibers have generated great interest among material scientists due to their characteristics, which include availability, low cost, biodegradability, easy processability, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, low acoustic properties. They have been proven to be excellent replacements for synthetic fibers and have found applications in advanced polymer composites. Coverage includes every stage of working with plant fibers, including synthesis, processing, characterization, applications, recycling, and life cycle assessment of plant fibers and their composites. Drawing on work from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions across the globe, this is a definitive one-stop reference for anyone working with plant fibers.

Design and Fabrication of Large Polymer Constructions in Space is a ground-breaking study of the polymeric materials, advanced chemical processes, and cutting-edge technology required in the construction of large polymer-based structures for space, when all steps in the process are carried out in the space environment, whether in orbit, in deep space, or on the surface of a moon, asteroid, or planet. The book begins by introducing the fundamentals and requirements of large constructions and inflatable structures for space. The next section of the book focuses on the utilization of polymeric materials within the space environment, examining the effects on materials (vacuum, plasma, temperature), the possible approaches to polymerization both in space and in orbit, the preparation and structure of polymer composites, and the methods for testing materials and structures in terms of strength, defects, and aging. Three chapters then cover how these materials and techniques might be applied to specific categories of construction, including larger space habitats, supporting space structures, and ground infrastructure. Finally, the financial aspects, the consequences for human space exploitation, and the possible future developments are discussed. Using materials science to push the boundaries of construction for space exploration and exploitation, this book is a unique resource for academic researchers and advanced students across polymer science, advanced materials, chemical engineering, construction, and space engineering, as well as for researchers, scientists and engineers at space agencies, companies and laboratories, involved in developing materials or technology for use in space. This is also of great interest to anyone interested in the role of materials science in the building of large space stations, spacecraft, planetary bases, large aperture antenna, radiation and thermal shields, and repairmen sets.

The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging: Multilayer Films from Resin and Process to End Use, Second Edition provides a comprehensive guide on plastic films in flexible packaging, covering scientific principles, materials properties, processes and end use considerations. Sections discuss the science of multilayer films in a concise and impactful way, presenting the fundamental understanding required to improve product design, material selection and processes. In addition, the book includes information on why one material is favored over another and how film or coating affects material properties. Descriptions and analysis of key properties of packaging films are provided from engineering and scientific perspectives. With essential scientific insights, best practice techniques, environmental sustainability information and key principles of structure design, this book provides information aids in material selection and processing, how to shorten development times and deliver stronger products, and ways to enable engineers and scientists to deliver superior products with reduced development time and cost.

Conjugated Polymers for Next-Generation Applications, Volume One: Synthesis, Properties and Optoelectrochemical Devices describes the synthesis and characterization of varied conjugated polymeric materials and their key applications, including active electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion batteries, along with new ideas of functional materials for next-generation high-energy batteries, a discussion of common design procedures, and the pros and cons of conjugated polymers for certain applications. The book's emphasis lies in the underlying electronic properties of conjugated polymers, their characterization and analysis, and the evaluation of their effectiveness for utilization in energy and electronics applications. This book is ideal for researchers and practitioners in the area of materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering.

Conjugated Polymers for Next-Generation Applications, Volume Two: Energy Storage Devices describes the synthesis and characterization of varied conjugated polymeric materials and their key applications, including active electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion batteries, along with new ideas of functional materials for next-generation high-energy batteries, a discussion of common design procedures, and the pros and cons of conjugated polymers for certain applications. The book's emphasis lies in the underlying electronic properties of conjugated polymers, their characterization and analysis, and the evaluation of their effectiveness for utilization in energy and electronics applications. This book is ideal for researchers and practitioners in the area of materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering.

Oil Palm Biomass for Composite Panels: Fundamentals, Processing, and Applications explains the preparation and utilization of oil palm biomass for advanced composite panel products. It introduces the fundamentals of oil palm biomass and wood-based panel products, including basic properties, durability, deterioration, and adhesives. It also includes in-depth information on processing and treatments organized by biomass type, covering oil palm trunk and lumber, veneer, empty fruit bunches (EFBs), oil palm fronds, and other sources. Additionally, this book focuses on specific composite panel applications, explaining the utilization of oil palm biomass in specific products. Finally, current policy, economic and environmental factors, and supply considerations are discussed. The information contained in Oil Palm Biomass for Composite Panels will be of interest to researchers, scientists and advanced students in bio-based materials, polymer science, composites, wood science, forestry, and biomass, as well as industrial scientists and product designers working with oil palm biomass, wood-based products, and sustainable materials.

Handbook of Polymers, Third Edition represents an update on available data, including new values for many commercially available products, verification of existing data, and removal of older data where it is no longer useful. Polymers selected for this edition include all primary polymeric materials used by the plastics and chemical industries and specialty polymers used in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical and aerospace fields, with extensive information also provided on biopolymers. The book includes data on all polymeric materials used by the plastics industry and branches of the chemical industry, as well as specialty polymers in the electronics, pharmaceutical, medical and space fields. The entire scope of the data is divided into sections to make data comparison and search easy, including synthesis, physical, mechanical, and rheological properties, chemical resistance, toxicity, environmental impact, and more.

Applications of Polymers and Plastics in Medical Devices: Design, Manufacture, and Performance is a comprehensive guide to plastic materials for medical devices, covering fundamentals, materials, applications and regulatory requirements. Sections cover the role of plastics in medical devices, socioeconomic factors, the classification of medical devices. The performance of, medical grades and suppliers of polymer materials, which are categorized by performance level are also explored, along with manufacturing processes for device components, including extrusion, casting, injection molding and assembly processes. The book then covers applications in detail, examining each device and the role that polymers and plastics play in its construction and function. This is an essential resource for engineers, R&D, and other professionals working on plastics for medical devices and those in the plastics industry, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, packaging and biotechnology. In an academic setting, this book is of interest to researchers and advanced students in medical plastics, plastics engineering, polymer science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and materials science.

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

Sustainable Polylactide-Based Blends provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art in polylactide (PLA)-based blends, addressing the latest advances, innovative processing techniques and fundamental issues that persist in the field. Sections cover the fundamentals of sustainable polymeric materials, polylactide and polymer blends, current and upcoming processing technologies, structure and morphology characterization techniques for PLA and PLA-based blends, and the processing, morphology development, and properties of polylactide-based blends. Final chapters focus on current and future applications, market potential, key challenges and future outlooks. Throughout the book, theoretical modeling of immiscible polymer blends helps to establish structure-property relationships in various PLA-based polymer blends. With in-depth coverage of fundamentals and processing techniques, the book aims to support the selection of each processing method, along with an understanding of surface chemistry to achieve improved compatibility between phases.

PEDOT is currently the most widely used polymeric material in research and development. Over the past 10 years, PEDOT has been investigated for potential organic thermoelectric applications because of its superior thermoelectric and mechanical properties compared with other conductive polymers. However, many challenges remain to be solved before it is translated into key technologies. Advanced PEDOT Thermoelectric Materials summarizes current progress and the challenges of PEDOT thermoelectric materials, while clarifying directions for future development. This book provides a comprehensive overview of chemical, physical, and technical information about this organic thermoelectric polymer. The authors also give details about the theoretical basis of PEDOT, including preparation and characterization, and its development as a high-performance thermoelectric material.

Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers, Third Edition is a valuable reference tool for both academic researchers and scientists involved in biomaterials or tissue engineering, including the areas of bone and soft-tissue reconstruction, repair and organ regeneration. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, this book reviews the latest research and advances in this thriving area and how they can be used to develop treatments for disease states. New sections cover nanobiomaterials, drug delivery, advanced imaging and MRI for tissue engineering, and characterization of vascularized scaffolds. Technology and research in the field of tissue engineering has drastically increased within the last few years to the extent that almost every tissue and organ of the human body could potentially be regenerated with the aid of biomaterials.

Rheology: Concepts, Methods, and Applications, Fourth Edition provides a thorough historical and theoretical grounding in the field and introduces rheology as the method for solving many practical problems in materials science and engineering. This new edition has been updated to include new evidence-based methods and applications, coverage of non-Newtonian properties and their effect on material processing, heterogeneity in flow, rheology of highly concentrated emulsions and suspensions, viscosity and viscoelastic behavior of nanocomposites, the behavior of supramolecular solutions, rheology of gels, deformation-induced anisotropy, conformation changes during flow and molecular orientation. The book is practical and relevant for industry, but also consistent with rheology courses in academia, making it relevant to both academics and accomplished rheologists in industry.

Databook of Blowing and Auxiliary Agents, Second Edition includes the most current information on foaming technology, guiding users on the proper selection of formulation, which is highly dependent on the mechanisms of action of blowing agents and foaming agents, as well as dispersion and solubility. The book includes properties of 23 groups of blowing agents and the typical range of technical performance for each group, including general properties, physical-chemical properties, health and safety, environmental impact, and applications in different products and polymers. All information is illustrated by chemical reactions and diagrams. Chapters in the book look at foaming mechanisms with the use of solid blowing agents, which are decomposed to the gaseous products by application of heat, production of gaseous products by chemical reaction, and foaming by gases and evaporating liquids.

Innovation in Nano-polysaccharides for Eco-sustainability: From Science to Industrial Applications presents fundamentals, advanced preparation methods, and novel applications for polysaccharide-based nanomaterials. Sections cover the fundamental aspects of polysaccharides and nano-polysaccharides, including their structure and properties, surface modification, processing and characterization. Key considerations are explained in detail, including the connection between the substituents of polysaccharides and their resulting physical properties, renewable resources, their sustainable utilization, and specific high value applications, such as pharmaceuticals, photocatalysts, energy, and wastewater treatment, and more. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and advanced students across bio-based polymers, nanomaterials, polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, biology, materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering. In industry, this book will support scientists, R&D, and engineers looking to utilize bio-based materials in advanced industrial applications.

Explore the cutting-edge in self-healing polymers and composites In Extrinsic and Intrinsic Approaches to Self-Healing Polymers and Polymer Composites, a pair of distinguished materials scientists delivers an insightful and up-to-date exploration of the fundamentals, theory, design, fabrication, characterization, and application of self-healing polymers and polymer composites. The book discusses how to prepare self-healing polymeric materials, how to increase the speed of crack repair, high temperature applications, and how to broaden the spectrum of healing agent species. The authors emphasize the integration of existing techniques with novel synthetic approaches for target-oriented materials design and fabrication. They provide a comprehensive view of this emerging field, allowing new researchers to gather a firm understanding of the framework for creating new materials or applications. Additionally, the book includes: A thorough introduction to the field of self-healing polymers and polymer composites, including the advances made by various laboratories and the challenges, trends, and future directions that characterize modern research in the area Comprehensive explorations of the self-healing strategies proposed by the authors, including addition polymerization, systems-based microcapsules and plastic tubes, and more Practical discussions of the application of reversible S-S bonds in self-healing polymers In-depth examinations of intrinsic self-healing via reversible C-ON bonds Perfect for polymer and materials scientists, chemists, and engineers, Extrinsic and Intrinsic Approaches to Self-Healing Polymers and Polymer Composites will also earn a place in the libraries of professionals working in the polymer, coatings, paints, medical, defense, and pharmaceutical industries.

Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents, Second Edition includes the most current information on foaming technology, guiding users on the proper selection of formulation, which is highly dependent on the mechanisms of action of blowing agents and foaming agents, as well as dispersion and solubility. The book includes properties of 23 groups of blowing agents and the typical range of technical performance for each group, including general properties, physical-chemical properties, health and safety, environmental impact, and applications in different products and polymers. All information is illustrated by chemical reactions and diagrams. Chapters in the book look at foaming mechanisms with the use of solid blowing agents, which are decomposed to the gaseous products by application of heat, production of gaseous products by chemical reaction, and foaming by gases and evaporating liquids.

Biopolymer Science for Proteins and Peptides introduces all aspects of natural polymers based on structural proteins and peptides, presenting synthesis, structure, properties, proteins, materials design, and applications. The book begins by presenting the core concepts of polypeptide and protein materials, before discussing synthesis and structure in detail. The next part of the book describes physical properties, biological properties, and issues surrounding stability. Subsequent chapters offer in-depth coverage of both natural and structural protein sources, including collagen, silk, elastin, resilin, keratin, foot protein, and reflectin, and the materials that can be designed from them, such as films, fibers, textiles, microparticles, sponges and scaffolds, nanomaterials, blends, and composites. These materials are also analyzed against the available synthetic polymers. Finally, the text explores current applications and potential future developments. This is an essential resource for researchers and advanced students across a range of disciplines, including biopolymers, structural proteins, polymer science, materials science, biomaterials, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, and pharmaceutical science. In an industry setting, this is of great interest to scientists and R&D professionals working in industries with an interest in bio-based polymers for advanced applications.

Micro and Nanolignin in Aqueous Dispersions and Polymers: Interactions, Properties, and Applications presents the very latest research on lignin biorefinery treatments, production, chemistry, and refining, exploring a range of innovative applications of lignin and lignin-based composites at both the micro and the nanoscale. The book begins by presenting the latest developments in extraction methods and properties, with topics including methods for value-added microlignin, color characteristics, refining and functionalization, depolymerization for phenolic monomer production, and production of sulphur-free lignin nanoparticles. This is followed by in-depth sections focusing on the preparation of lignin for advanced applications at the microscale, then at the nanoscale, covering a range of areas such as construction, fiber manufacturing, food packaging, biomedicine, wood preservation, wastewater treatment, and agriculture. This valuable resource enables the reader to identify the high added value of a biomass residue and supports possible development and use for mass and niche high impact application sectors. This information is of interest to researchers, scientists, and advanced students, across bio-based polymers and bio-composites, polymer science and engineering, nanomaterials, chemistry, sustainable materials, materials science, and chemical engineering. Moreover, it is also addressed to the professionals that as well as those in an R&D industrial setting to are looking on ideas and perspectives on how to utilize bio-based materials in advanced industrial applications.

Synthetic Engineering Materials and Nanotechnology covers the latest research and developments of synthetic processes, materials, applications and technologies. In addition, innovations in synthetic engineering materials techniques are analyzed. Each chapter addresses key concepts, properties and applications of important categories of synthetic materials, including metals alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, oils and foams. Advances in nanomaterials produced by synthetic engineering methods are also considered, including ceramic, carbon, metal oxide, composite, and membrane-derived nanomaterials. The primary synthetic engineering materials techniques covered include thermo-mechanical, chemical, physiochemical, electrochemical, bottom-up, hybrid and biological methods. This book is suitable for early career researchers in academia and R&D in areas such as materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering.

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

Foamability of Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials presents a cutting-edge approach to thermoplastic polymeric foams, drawing on the latest research and guiding the reader through the fundamental science, foamability, structure-property-processing relationship, multi-phase polymeric materials, degradation characteristics of biodegradable foams and advanced applications. Sections provide detailed information on foam manufacturing technologies and the fundamental science behind foaming, present insights on the factors affecting foamability, cover ways of enhancing the foamability of various polymeric materials, with special focus on multi-phase systems, discuss the degradation of biodegradable foams and special morphology development for scaffolds, packaging, acoustic and super-insulation applications, as well as cell seeding studies in scaffolds. Each application has specific requirements in terms of desired properties. This in-depth coverage and analysis helps those looking to move forward with microcellular processing and polymer foaming. This is an ideal resource for researchers, advanced students and professionals interested in the microcellular processing of polymeric materials in the areas of polymer foaming, polymer processing, plastics engineering and materials science.

Self-Healing Materials: Principles and Technology, Second Edition provides engineers and researchers in both industry and academia the information they need to deploy self-healing technology in a range of potential applications, from adhesives to the automotive industry, and from electronics to biomedical implants. Sections discuss the principal mechanisms of self-healing and how these are applied to the development of materials that have the ability to repair themselves, either with minimal or no human intervention. In addition, the book provides a theoretical background and a review of the major research undertaken to date, providing a thorough grounding in this concept and related technology. Other sections compare the parameters of different self-healing technological processes, such as fault detection mechanisms, methods of triggering and turning off the healing processes, the activation energy of self-healing processes, the means and methods of delivery of the healing substances to the defect locations, self-healing timescale (rate of self-healing), and the extent of self-healing (healing efficiency, recovery of properties, etc.). In addition, mathematical modeling of the processes of self-healing (molecular dynamics simulation), the morphology of healed areas, and other important topics are thoroughly discussed.

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