This book provides a vast amount of information on new approaches, limitations, and control on current polymers and chemicals complexity of various origins, on scales ranging from single molecules and nano-phenomena to macroscopic chemicals. Starting with a detailed introduction, the book is comprised of chapters that survey the current progress in particular research fields. The chapters, prepared by leading international experts, yield together a fascinating picture of a rapidly developing research discipline that brings chemical technology and polymers to new frontiers.

This book provides an important structural analysis of polymer solutions and melts, using fractal analysis. The book covers the theoretical fundamentals of macromolecules fractal analysis. It then goes on to discuss the fractal physics of polymer solutions and the fractal physics of melts. The intended audience of the book includes specialists in chemistry and physics of polymer synthesis and those in the field of polymers and polymer composites processing.

This new book provides a solid understanding of the recent developments in the field of composites and nanocomposites. It explains the significance of the new fillers, such as graphene and arbon nanotubes in different matrix systems. The application of these materials in biological and others fields also makes this book unique. This detailed study of nanocomposites, their structure, processing and characterization will be of value in all walks of engineering life. The book covers the following topics: * polymer matrix composites * ceramic matrix composites * carbon matrix composites * wood-based composites * biocomposites * ecocomposites * nanocomposites * processing * properties * fracture and damage mechanics * durability * and more Composite materials are solids that contain two or more distinct constituent materials or phases, on a scale larger than the atomic. The term "composite" is usually reserved for those materials in which the distinct phases are separated on a scale larger than the atomic, and in which properties such as the elastic modulus are significantly altered in comparison with those of a homogeneous material. Composites have properties that cannot be achieved by either of the constituent materials alone. Composites are becoming more and more important as they can help improve our quality of life. Composites are put into service in flight vehicles, automobiles, boats, pipelines, buildings, roads, bridges, and dozens of other products. Researchers are finding ways to improve other qualities of composites so they may be strong, lightweight, long-lived, and inexpensive to produce. The science and engineering of composites and nanocomposites draws on traditional characterization and processing technologies. Research describing structures containing nanoparticles seems to rely on methods that are being pushed to the limit of resolution. Preparation of nanocomposites also poses very real processing challenges. The list of questions about the fabrication, characterization, and use of nanocomposites is long despite massive financial and intellectual investment. The magnitude of the effects these small particles impart to the bulk properties of a composite are great enough that the science is likely to continue to grow in importance.

This new volume presents leading-edge research in the rapidly changing and evolving field of polymer science as well as on chemical processing. The topics in the book reflect the diversity of research advances in the production and application of modern polymeric materials and related areas, focusing on the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymers. Also covered are various manufacturing techniques. The book helps to fill the gap between theory and practice in industry. The book introduces current state-of-the-art technology in modern materials with an emphasis on the rapidly growing technologies. It takes a unique approach by presenting specific materials and then progresses into a discussion of the ways in which these materials and processes are integrated into today's functioning manufacturing industry. Readers will also discover how material properties relate to the process variables in a given process as well as how to perform quantitative engineering analysis of manufacturing processes.

This book focuses on food, non-food, and industrial packaging applications of polymers, blends, nanostructured materials, macro, micro and nanocomposites, and renewable and biodegradable materials. It details physical, thermal, and barrier properties as well as sustainability, recycling, and regulatory issues. The book emphasizes interdisciplinary research on processing, morphology, structure, and properties as well as applications in packaging of food and industrial products. It is useful for chemists, physicists, materials scientists, food technologists, and engineers.

Flame Retardant Polymeric Materials provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, from basic properties and mechanisms of action for flame retardants to emerging methods, materials, and industrial applications. With over 120 black and white images, Hu and Wang cover the latest in the development of novel polymer nanocomposites such as graphene, CNTs, LDHs, POSS, and techniques such as layer-by-layer assembly. These expert authors also include discussions on the important flame-retardant systems based on phosphorus, silicon, and boron. In doing so, they highlight the use of flame-retardants in varying industries, for example, construction, textiles, and aviation. This comprehensive handbook is an essential read for students and academics of physics with a particular interest in flame-retardant materials. It would also be recommended for professionals within the materials science and engineering fields.

This book summarizes recent advances in the fabrication methods, properties, and applications of various ceramic-filled polymer matrix composites. Surface-modification methods and chemical functionalization of the ceramic fillers are explored in detail, and the outstanding thermal and mechanical properties of polymer-ceramic composites, the modeling of some of their thermal and mechanical parameters, and their major potential applications are discussed along with detailed examples. Aimed at researchers, industry professionals, and advanced students working in materials science and engineering, this work offering a review of a vast number of references in the polymer-ceramic field, this work helps readers easily advance their research and understanding of the field.

Polymeric foams are sturdy yet lightweight materials with applications across a variety of industries, from packaging to aerospace. As demand for these materials increase, so does innovation in the development of new processes and products. This book captures the most dynamic advances in processes, technologies, and products related to the polymeric foam market. It describes the latest business trends including new microcellular commercialization, sustainable foam products, and nanofoams. It also discusses novel processes, new and environmentally friendly blowing agents, and the development and usage of various types of foams, including bead and polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyetherimide microcellular, and nanocellular. The book also covers flame-retardant foams, rigid foam composites, and foam sandwich composites and details applications in structural engineering, electronics, and insulation. Authored by leading experts in the field, this book minimizes the gap between research and application in this important and growing area.

Safely Design, Test, and Construct Products Made of Natural Fiber Composites Natural fibers and their composites carry distinct advantages over industrial fibers. Some advantages-including renewability and availability of raw materials, and lower energy consumption-could help safeguard environmental resources and eventually replace synthetic composites and conventional materials. Natural Fiber Composites explores the growing use of natural fibers in composites and covers material properties, treatment and processing, modeling, applications, design, and other vital information on this subject. Improve the Strength of Manufactured Composites, and Determine the Best Processing Technique Incorporating independent pieces written by a team of international contributors, this book enables readers to analyze and design structural components using state-of-the-art information and methods. It provides an overview of natural fiber composites, details the superior specific mechanical properties of these materials, and presents development techniques and design case studies that can improve performance and enhance the process. Natural Fiber Composites evaluates the value of natural fibers in composite materials, and offers introductory knowledge on natural fiber composites backed by internationally recognized experts in the field.

Addresses a Growing Need for the Development of Cellular and Porous Materials in Industry Building blocks used by nature are motivating researchers to create bio-inspired cellular structures that can be used in the development of products for the plastic, food, and biomedical industry. Representing a unified effort by international experts, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials highlights the latest research and development of biofoams and porous systems, and specifically examines the aspects related to the formation of gas bubbles in drink and food. The book offers a detailed analysis of bio-polymers and foaming technologies, biodegradable and sustainable foams, biomedical foams, food foams, and bio-inspired foams. Explores the Generation of New Materials with Wide-Ranging Technological Applicability This book introduces the science, technologies, and applications related to the use of biopolymers and biomaterials in the development of porous structures. It presents topics that include bio-based polymers for the development of biodegradable and sustainable polymeric foams, foams in food, foams in biomedical applications, biohybrids, and bio-inspired cellular and porous systems. It also includes recent studies on the design of polymer-based composites and hybrid scaffolds, weighs in on the challenges related to the production of porous polymers, and presents relevant examples of cellular architecture present in nature. In addition, this book: Focuses on materials compatible with natural tissues Discusses the engineering of bio-inspired scaffolds with the ability to mimic living tissue Reveals how to use renewable resources to develop more sustainable lightweight materials Illustrates the state of the art of porous scaffold and process techniques A book dedicated to material science, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials focuses on food technology, polymers and composites, biomedical, and chemical engineering, and examines how the principles used in the creation of cellular structures can be applied in modern industry.

How Can Polymers Constructed From Living Organisms Help Eliminate the Disposal Issue? A unique category of materials called biodegradable polymers could help remedy a growing environmental concern. Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications considers the potential of biodegradable polymers for use in biomedical applications that include drug delivery, biosensors, and tissue engineering. Since biomaterials perform on a time-limited function and are designed to disappear from the body after use, the development of biopolymers could greatly reduce and eliminate the need for plastic products, most specifically those used in biomedical applications. Highlights Biomaterials and the Design and Application of Biomaterials Utilizing expert research contributors from around the world, this book considers the benefits and limitations of a variety of biomaterials, such as biopolymers, ceramics, biodegradable nanocomposites, and natural products-based biomaterials. It explores the bio-nano-interface; the interaction between nanoparticles and biomaterials, explains the basic concepts and methods of biodegradable nanocomposites (BNCs), and highlights recent developments in polymer-based bionanocomposites. The book provides an overview of degradation properties and the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers. It also breaks down the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of starch-based polymers, and outlines distinct advantages (biodegradability and nontoxicity) that make them suitable as medical polymer materials. In addition, it highlights the FDA-approved biodegradable polyester family and focuses on the state-of-the-art recent advancements in drug-delivery devices. Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications provides current knowledge on biopolymers, examines recent developments and trends, and considers future applications of polymers. Featuring the work of highly-qualified international researchers, this book addresses applications relevant to polymer and material science, as well as material, biomedical, and chemical engineering, and is of specific interest to polymer science engineers.

Medicinal chemistry and pharmacology are closely associated fields, and the use of natural products for their medicinal properties is ever-growing. The study of drugs from natural products and their effects on the living body are explored in this volume. The book looks into the research, discovery, and characterization of chemicals that exhibit biological effects. Providing an informative compilation of research, valuable case studies, and reviews of existing literature in the area, the book focuses on the ethnobotanical uses of natural products and phytochemicals for health care, including applications for diabetes, ulcers, wound healing, chronic alcoholism, hemorrhoidal treatment, cancer mitigation, pain management, immunotherapy, and more.

Polymer Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices, Volume I, offers a detailed explanation of recent progress and challenges in polymer electrolyte research for energy storage devices. The influence of these electrolyte properties on the performance of different energy storage devices is discussed in detail. Features: * Discusses a variety of energy storage systems and their workings and a detailed history of LIBs * Covers a wide range of polymer-based electrolytes including PVdF, PVdF-co-HFP, PAN, blend polymeric systems, composite polymeric systems, and polymer ionic liquid gel electrolytes * Provides a comprehensive review of biopolymer electrolytes for energy storage applications * Suitable for readers with experience in batteries as well as newcomers to the field This book will be invaluable to researchers and engineers working on the development of next-generation energy storage devices, including materials, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as well as those involved in related disciplines.

This book emphasizes the relationship between the microscopic structure of gels and their macroscopic behaviour. Deals with organic polymeric gels, focusing on experimental methods which have only recently been introduced to study both reversible and irreversible gels. It introduce the reader with to theory and practice of physics as applied to the study of characteristics of polymeric gels and offers several clearly described basic approaches to experimental investigations into gel properties. An outstanding resource on experimental advances and modern interpretations of polymeric gel properties written by prominent experts in the field.

As the title suggests, this unique book describes the synthesis, structure and properties of the polyamide family known by the common term n-nylon. Each nylon from n=1 to n=22 is discussed in detail with descriptions of the preparation of monomers, various synthetic approaches to the polymerization, structure and crystallisation of polymers and both their fundamental properties and important technological properties. It treats the structure and properties from two perspectives, namely the effect of the aliphatic chain length between amide groups and the effects of the rigidity or flexibility of the main chain Whilst intended as a reference work for all polymer scientists, in academia and industry, working with nylons, polyamide and condensation polymers, n-Nylons will also be appreciated by post-graduate students of polymer science and engineering. Each self-contained chapter can be read individually and is extensively referenced.

This book summarises the development of experimental techniques for determining the impact mechanical properties of fibre reinforced epoxy laminates, and the experimental results obtained for the tensile, compressive and interlaminar shear properties of various epoxy laminates.

Polymer Coatings: Technologies and Applications provides a comprehensive account of the recent developments in polymer coatings encompassing novel methods, techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. The chapters explore the key aspects of polymer coatings while highlighting fundamental research, different types of polymer coatings, and technology advances. This book also integrates the various aspects of these materials from synthesis to application. Current status, trends, future directions, and opportunities are also discussed. FEATURES Examines the basics to the most recent advances in all areas of polymer coatings Serves as a one-stop reference Discusses polymer-coated nanocrystals and coatings based on nanocomposites Describes morphology, spectroscopic analysis, adhesion, and rheology of polymer coatings Explores conducting, stimuli-responsive, self-healing, hydrophobic and hydrophilic, antifouling, and antibacterial polymer coatings Covers modeling and simulation With contributions from the top international researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions, both new and experienced readers will benefit from this applications-oriented book. Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa is a research scientist at the Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Academic Enhancement Department, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand. Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai is a research professor at the Center of Innovation in Design and Engineering for Manufacturing, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand. Suchart Siengchin is a professor at and president of King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand.

The first volume of the "Handbook of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Microbial Biosynthesis and Feedstocks" focusses on feedstock aspects, enzymology, metabolism and genetic engineering of PHA biosynthesis. It addresses better understanding the mechanisms of PHA biosynthesis in scientific terms and profiting from this understanding in order to enhance PHA biosynthesis in bio-technological terms and in terms of PHA microstructure. It further discusses making PHA competitive for outperforming established petrol-based plastics on industrial scale and obstacles for market penetration of PHA. Aimed at professionals and graduate students in Polymer (plastic) industry, wastewater treatment plants, food industry, biodiesel industry, this book Covers the intracellular on-goings in PHA-accumulating bacteria Assesses diverse feedstocks to be used as carbon source for PHA production including current knowledge on PHA biosynthesis starting from inexpensive waste feedstocks Summarizes recent relevant results dealing with PHA production from various organic by-products Presents the key elements to understand and fine-tune the microstructure and sequence-controlled molecular architecture of PHA co-polyesters Discusses the use of CO-rich syngas, sourced from various organic waste materials, for PHA biosynthesis

The third volume of the Handbook of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) focusses on the production of functionalized PHA bio-polyesters, the post-synthetic modification of PHA, processing and additive manufacturing of PHA, development and properties of PHA-based (bio)composites and blends, the market potential of PHA and follow-up materials, different bulk- and niche applications of PHA, and the fate and use of spent PHA items. Divided into fourteen chapters, it describes functionalized PHA and PHA modification, processing and their application including degradation of spent PHA-based products and fate of these bio-polyesters during compositing and other disposal strategies. Aimed at graduate students and professionals in Polymer science, chemical engineering and bioprocessing, it: Covers current state of the art in the development of chemically modifiable PHA including mult-istep modifications of isolated biopolyesters, short syntheses of monomer feedstocks and so forth. Describes design of functionalized PHA-based polymeric materials by chemical modification . Illustrates preparation of bioactive oligomers derived from microbial PHA and synthetic analogues of natural PHA oligomers. Discusses processing and thermomechanical properties of PHA. Reviews advantages of PHA against other bio-based and conventional polymers with current applications and potential uses of PHA-based polymers highlighting innovative products.

From Reports in Volume 5: "Recently polymer blends have emerged as one of the most important areas of research activity in the field of polymer science and technology. Because of their satisfactory performance in meeting specific needs of the polymer industry, they have drawn considerable attention in replacing not only many conventional materials, but also some of the polymers that are in vogue. By suitably varying the blend compositions and manipulating the processing conditions, tailor-made products with a unique set of end use properties can be achieved at a much lower cost and within a shorter time than would have been necessary for the development of a new polymer. The usefulness of such blends increases with the increasing range of applications of this type of materials." (Chapter 4) "New and growing demands on polymeric materials cannot be satisfied in future by an assortment extension of basic polymers. Although the introduction of new major-use basic polymer is possible, it seems unlikely in view of current projected economic and technical considerations. On the other hand, new products based on the modification of existing polymers have and will continue to be fruitful areas for both scientific and commercial developments. The driving forces for these developments are: 1. Improved performance, 2. Reduced cost, 3. Present, pending and future legislation dealing with health and environmental issues." (Chapter 11)

Increasing attention is being given to the use of concrete-polymer composites as high performance and multi-functional materials in the construction industry, as well as in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. Particular interest is being given to these materials in Japan and other East Asian countries. This book forms the proceedings of the Second East Asia Symposium on Polymers in Concrete (II-EASPIC) held under the auspices of the Japan Charter of ICPIC (the International Congress on Polymers in Concrete). Papers are presented by international experts from thirteen different countries. Many aspects of the subject are discussed, including: new developments in the theory and practice of polymer composites; studies of their performance; appropriate manufacturing techniques and materials selection processes; their structural design; various types of concrete using polymers; methods of restoration and conservation using composites; overlays; adhesives and coating used in concrete works, special innovative developments and techniques for recycling.

This practical guide for managers and engineers in the plastics industry shows how to reduce high noise levels which often occur in the workplace and reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing damage to employees. Practical methods for reducing noise from industrial machinery are described and illustrated with about twenty-five case studies relating to plastics processing machines such as granulators, shredders, extruders and injection moulders. Noise-control techniques include standard noise-control measures: enclosures, silencers and the use of sound insulating, sound-absorbing materials, vibration isolation and damping; and now the use of active noise control methods. Along with fresh case studies this new edition adds chapters on environmental noise, on European Union machinery noise emission regulations, hearing protection, prediction of noise levels, and the design of quieter workplaces.

The modern tire is the most complex, composite product in mass production. Yet given its complexity and required performance, there is little information in the public domain regarding its development. This book provides an introduction to tire design, construction, and manufacturing in the context of materials technologies used today, along with future trends and disrupting technologies. Focuses on design and construction Discusses the relationship between materials and performance Reviews tire uniformity as a key differentiator among manufacturers Evaluates design and construction features versus performance Written for engineers in the polymer, industrial, chemical, mechanical, and automotive industries, this book offers a comprehensive view of tire design, including materials selection, construction, manufacturing, quality control, and future trends.

This book provides a comprehensive account of developments in the area of lightweight polymer composites. It encompasses design and manufacturing methods for the lightweight polymer structures, various techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. The book highlights fundamental research in lightweight polymer structures and integrates various aspects from synthesis to applications of these materials. Features Serves as a one stop reference with contributions from leading researchers from industry, academy, government, and private research institutions across the globe Explores all important aspects of lightweight polymer composite structures Offers an update of concepts, advancements, challenges, and application of lightweight structures Current status, trends, future directions, and opportunities are discussed, making it friendly for both new and experienced researchers.

This practical book sets the standard as a valuable, time-saving resource offering systematic fundamental information about industrial radiation technologies. This new edition explores updates to emerging applications of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) radiation to polymer processing and offers updates throughout to detail changes changes, new trends, and general issues in radiation technology. It presents vital, cutting-edge information to aid further reduction of volatile organic compounds and toxic substances in the environment, develop alternative sources of energy, and harness energy in both medical and industrial applications. New features of this edition include: Stresses the practical aspects of UV/EB technology and its industrial application Includes updates on UV radiation processes and applications of UV radiation Explores new engineering data of selected commercial products Written by an expert with over forty years of experience, this book would make an excellent resource for scientists and engineers in the fields of materials science and polymer chemistry.