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.

Explores the nature of relaxation phenomena in polymers on the basis of time-temperature equivalence. Its role in the physical and mechanical behavior of polymers materials and fundamentals of thermoplastics processing are discussed. Four appendixes detail thermo-mechanical methods to study relaxation in polymers, structure of both amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, and unified approach to describe deformation of polymeric materials.

This title gives an overview of composites and biocomposites. It discusses the history of CaPO4/ /polymer biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials, as well as analyzing the latest developments in the field. It also covers bioactivity and biodegradation of CaPO4-based biomaterials.

Presents exclusive material on MXene based polymer nanocomposites Highlights properties and potential applications of polymers upon addition of MXenes Discusses effect of MXenes on various thermoplastic and elastomer polymers Focusses on the properties, fabrications methods, and applications of relevant polymer matrices Extensively deals with role of MXene in polymers

Advanced Polyimide Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications summarizes and reviews recent research and developments on several key PI materials. A wide array of PI materials are included, including high performance PI films for microelectronic fabrication and packaging, display and space applications, fiber-reinforced PI composites for structural applications in aerospace and aviation industries, and PI photoresists for integrated circuit packaging. The chemical features of PI are also described, including semi-alicyclic PIs, fluorinated PIs, phosphorous-containing PIs, silicon-containing PIs and other new varieties, providing a comprehensive overview on PI materials while also summarizing the latest research. The book serves as a valuable reference book for engineers and students working on polymer materials, microelectronics manufacturing and packaging in industries such as aerospace and aviation.

Advancements in polymer nanocomposite foams have led to their application in a variety of fields, such as automotive, packaging, and insulation. Employing nanocomposites in foam formation enhances their property profiles, enabling a broader range of uses, from conventional to advanced applications. Since many factors affect the generation of nanostructured foams, a thorough understanding of structure-property relationships in foams is important. Polymer Nanocomposite Foams presents developments in various aspects of nanocomposite foams, providing information on using composite nanotechnology for making functional foams to serve a variety of applications. Featuring contributions from experts in the field, this book reviews synthesis and processing techniques for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams and discusses strategies for toughening polymer foams. It summarizes the effects of adding nanoclay on polypropylene foaming behavior and describes routes to starch foams for improved performance. The books also reviews progress in achieving high-performance lightweight polymer nanocomposite foams while keeping desired mechanical properties, examines hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite foams, and covers polymer-clay nanocomposite production. The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers.

Covers synthesis, properties and applications of quantum dots Discusses the modern fabrication technologies, processing, nanostructure formation, and mechanisms of reinforcement of quantum dots-polymer nanocomposites Explores the properties of quantum dots-based polymer nanocomposites Discusses the biocompatibility, suitability, and toxic effects of quantum dots-based polymer nanocomposites Reviews recent innovations, applications, opportunities, and future directions in quantum dots-based polymer nanocomposites

Covers radiation-assisted synthesis, processing, and modification of all kinds of materials Provides comparative studies, merits, demerits, and applications very systematically Transcends across polymers science and technology, radiation technology, advanced materials technology, biomaterials technology and so forth Includes a section on 3D printing by laser melting of CoCr alloys

Provides a platform related to fabrication and advancement of all categories of polymeric biomaterials Explores advancement of pertinent biomedical and drug delivery systems Includes a wide range of biomaterials and its application in diversified fields Gives out environmental justification of green biopolymers and their applications in water remediation Discusses advanced applications of bio-composite polymers viz. food packaging and anti-corrosive coatings

The use of polymers is restricted by their flammability - they may indeed initiate or propagate fire. Fire Retardancy of Polymers focuses on mineral additives from either micro- or nano-composites for application in fire retardants. With the use of fire retardant additives containing halogen or phosphorus compounds in decline, the need for other systems is evident. The major materials that are used are alumina trihydrate or magnesium hydroxide which account for more than 50% by weight of the world-wide sales of fire retardants. Recent works have shown that such halogen-free compounds may give enhanced fire retardancy to polymeric materials when used in low levels, alone, or in synergistic mixtures. The corresponding fire performance depends on the dispersion of the mineral filler, with micrometer-scale dispersion leading to the best performances. Specialists discuss these new applications of mineral fillers with particular emphasis on action mechanisms, new materials including textiles, toxicology and hazards. With extensive references, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of these applications. This book will appeal to professionals, materials scientists and engineers looking for novel ways to eliminate fire hazards and improve flame retardancy of materials, with a special interest in sustainable development.

Many books offer coverage of the current work of top researchers, but rarely is any attempt made to look beyond the present day. "Emerging Themes in Polymer Science" is a unique book which not only documents the latest research but also provides an insight into the likely future of polymer science. At the heart of the debate, and a key feature of the book, is the relationship between polymer science and biology. Also discussed are polymer semiconductors and devices; polymer colloids; biomaterials; tissue engineering and polymers; neutron and synchrotron research; theory; and rheology.Anyone involved in polymer research, including those in the fields of electronics and nanotechnology, will welcome this book.

Transport Properties of Polymeric Membranes is an edited collection of papers that covers, in depth, many of the recent technical research accomplishments in transport characteristics through polymers and their applications. Using the transport through polymer membranes method leads to high separation efficiency, low running costs, and simple operating procedures compared to conventional separation methods. This book provides grounding in fundamentals and applications to give you all the information you need on using this method. This book discusses the different types of polymer, their blends, composites, nanocomposites and their applications in the field of liquid, gas and vapor transport. Some topics of note include modern trends and applications of polymer nanocomposites in solvent, vapor and gas transport; fundamentals and measurement techniques for gas and vapor transport in polymers; and transport properties of hydrogels. This handpicked selection of topics, and the combined expertise of contributors from global industry, academia, government and private research organizations, make this book an outstanding reference for anyone involved in the field of polymer membranes.

Polymer matrix composites are finding increasing number of applications due to their high weight-saving potential as well as unique characteristics, such as high strength-to-density ratio, fatigue resistance, high damping factor, and freedom from corrosion. While many textbooks are available on the mechanics of polymer matrix composites, few cover their processing.Processing of Polymer Matrix Composites fills this gap. The book focuses on the major manufacturing processes used for polymer matrix composites and describes process details, process parameters and their effects on properties and process-induced defects, and analytical and experimental methods used for understanding process conditions. The book describes fibers, thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers, and interface characteristics that are important from the standpoint of both design and processing. It also emphasizes the applications of process fundamentals for both continuous fiber and short fiber polymer matrix composites. In addition the book considers quality inspection methods, tooling, and manufacturing costs and environmental and safety issues.

In this important volume, the structures and functions of these advanced polymer and composite systems are evaluated with respect to improved or novel performance, and the potential implications of those developments for the future of polymer-based composites and multifunctional materials are discussed. It focuses exclusively on the latest research related to polymer and composite materials, especially new trends in frontal polymerization and copolymerization synthesis, functionalization of polymers, physical properties, and hybrid systems. Several chapters are devoted to composites and nanocomposites.

Polyaniline Blends, Composites, and Nanocomposites summarizes recent advances in polyaniline-based blends, composites and nanocomposites. Polyaniline (PANI) is a conducting polymer with a range of potential applications, particularly in electronics and packaging. The book covers the preparation, characterization and application of PANI-based composites, including the structure-property relationship and modification of PANI. It offers an in-depth update on the major findings and observations in the field of polyaniline-based blends, composites and nanocomposites, with contributions from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions worldwide. The book is an application-oriented, practical guide to the development and application of this polymeric material. The book includes discussion of reinforcement of polyaniline via addition of carbon-based materials, blends with thermoplastics, thermosets, natural and synthetic rubber, and polyaniline based composites and nanocomposites, with an emphasis on enabling polymer scientists and engineers to more effectively utilize this material in new applications.

Reactive Polymers: Fundamentals and Applications: A Concise Guide to Industrial Polymers, Third Edition introduces engineers and scientists to a range of reactive polymers and then details their applications and performance benefits. Basic principles and industrial processes are described for each class of reactive resin (thermoset), as well as additives, the curing process, applications and uses. The initial chapters are devoted to individual resin types (e.g., epoxides, cyanacrylates), followed by more general chapters on topics such as reactive extrusion and dental applications. Injection molding of reactive polymers, radiation curing, thermosetting elastomers, and reactive extrusion equipment are covered as well. The use of reactive polymers enables manufacturers to make chemical changes at a late stage in the production process, which, in turn, cause changes in performance and properties. Material selection and control of the reaction are essential to achieve optimal performance. Material new to this edition includes the most recent developments, applications and commercial products for each chemical class of thermosets, as well as sections on fabrication methods, reactive biopolymers, recycling of reactive polymers and case studies.

Biopolymer Grafting: Synthesis and Properties presents the latest research and developments in fundamental of synthesis and properties of biopolymer-based graft copolymers. The book presents a broad overview of the biopolymer grafting process, along with trends in the field. It also introduces a range of grafting methods which lead to materials with enhanced properties for a range of practical applications, along with the positives and limitations of these techniques. The book bridges the knowledge gap between the scientific principles and industrial applications of polymer grafting. This book covers synthesis and characterization of graft-copolymers of plant polysaccharides, functional separation membranes from grafted biopolymers, and polysaccharides in alternative methods for insulin delivery. Recent trends and advances in this area are discussed, assisting materials scientists and researchers in mapping out the future of these new "green" materials through value addition to enhance their use.

Almost all synthetic materials over time induce some level of inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, even though the successes of biomaterials science in producing acceptable solutions to the problem of biocompatibility have been remarkable, there remains enormous opportunity for improvement. The goal is the development of intelligent materials that replicate and mimic the ability of tissues and biological materials to adapt and renew. This book describes the synthesis and the analysis of new smart polymeric materials and their practical implications in nanomedicine and biotechnology. It offers a comprehensive overview, gathering recent and innovative research on multiple aspects within the field of smart polymeric materials that offer new perspectives in developing current advanced biotechnologies. The text contains both experimental and theoretical issues that reflect the impact of the materials characteristics in target applications. It deals with recent advances in the design of new polymeric materials for advanced applications but also on the study of their structure-properties relationship in order to move from completely inert, static structures to flexible ones capable to respond to environmental changes.

My heart sank when I was approached by Dr Hastings and by Professor Briggs (Senior Editor of Materials Science and Technology and Series Editor of Polymer Science and Technology Series at Chapman & Hall, respectively) to edit a book with the provisional title Handbook of Poly propylene. My reluctance was due to the fact that my former book [1] along with that of Moore [2], issued in the meantime, seemed to cover the information demand on polypropylene and related systems. Encour aged, however, by some colleagues (the new generation of scientists and engineers needs a good reference book with easy information retrieval, and the development with metallocene catalysts deserves a new update!), I started on this venture. Having some experience with polypropylene systems and being aware of the current literature, it was easy to settle the titles for the book chapters and also to select and approach the most suitable potential contributors. Fortunately, many of my first-choice authors accepted the invitation to contribute. Like all editors of multi-author volumes, I recognize that obtaining contributors follows an S-type curve of asymptotic saturation when the number of willing contributors is plotted as a function of time. The saturation point is, however, never reached and as a consequence, Dear Reader, you will also find some topics of some relevance which are not explicitly treated in this book (but, believe me, I have considered them).

Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymers: From Nanoscale to Macroscale addresses the advances in nanotechnology that have led to the development of a new class of composite materials known as CNT-reinforced polymers. The low density and high aspect ratio, together with their exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, render carbon nanotubes as a good reinforcing agent for composites. In addition, these simulation and modeling techniques play a significant role in characterizing their properties and understanding their mechanical behavior, and are thus discussed and demonstrated in this comprehensive book that presents the state-of-the-art research in the field of modeling, characterization and processing. The book separates the theoretical studies on the mechanical properties of CNTs and their composites into atomistic modeling and continuum mechanics-based approaches, including both analytical and numerical ones, along with multi-scale modeling techniques. Different efforts have been done in this field to address the mechanical behavior of isolated CNTs and their composites by numerous researchers, signaling that this area of study is ongoing.

Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymer Composites: Processing, Properties and Applications begins by discussing the current state-of-the-art, new challenges and opportunities for various biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composite systems. Interfacial characterization of composites and the structure-property relationships in various composite systems are explained in detail via a theoretical model. Processing techniques for various macro and nanocomposite systems and the influence of processing parameters on properties of the composite are also reviewed in detail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic, visco-elastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, rheological, optical, and electrical properties are highlighted, as are a broad range of applications. The book is a useful reference resource for both researchers and engineers working in composites materials science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and is also useful for students attending chemistry, physics, and materials science and engineering courses.

Cost Management in Plastics Processing: Strategies, Targets, Techniques, and Tools, Fourth Edition, makes readers think about current practices and how to go forward with effective cost management. This is a practical workbook that provides a structured approach to reducing costs in plastics processing for all the major plastics shaping processes (moulding, extrusion, forming) as well as elsewhere in the company (e.g., in factory services and non-manufacturing areas). Competition in all manufacturing sectors is increasing, and there is continuous pressure to drive costs down and to increase cost management. Good cost management improves profits and margins, improves management control and opens the door to becoming a world-class company. The approach throughout this book looks rigorously at where costs are incurred and proposes projects and targets for cost reduction. This book is designed to provide a well-structured map broken down into simple tasks and achievable goals. This book offers a structured approach to the techniques of cost management, from how costs are calculated by accountants, to the effective use of machines and labor, to the minimization of waste. It begins by looking at traditional methods of accounting and costing and whether these are helpful or accurate for project management. Practical examples of cost management in plastics processing are included, together with many useful flow charts and diagrams to illustrate the points under discussion.

Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems is the first book that explains in depth the crystallization behavior of multiphase polymer systems. Polymeric structures are more complex in nature than other material structures due to their significant structural disorder. Most of the polymers used today are semicrystalline, and the subject of crystallization is still one of the major issues relating to the performance of semicrystalline polymers in the modern polymer industry. The study of the crystallization processes, crystalline morphologies and other phase transitions is of great significance for the understanding the structure-property relationships of these systems. Crystallization in block copolymers, miscible blends, immiscible blends, and polymer composites and nanocomposites is thoroughly discussed and represents the core coverage of this book. The book critically analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale. Various experimental techniques used for the characterization of polymer crystallization process are discussed. Written by experts in the field of polymer crystallization, this book is a unique source and enables professionals and students to understand crystallization behavior in multiphase polymer systems such as block copolymers, polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites.

Biopolymer Grafting: Applications presents the latest research and developments in the practical application of these methods in industry, both to enable polymer scientists and engineers to keep up with the latest research trends, as well as to propose ideas for further research and application. Research into bio-based polymers has become increasingly prevalent. However, due to challenges related to the properties of these materials compared to synthetic polymers-such as their resistance to chemicals or weather-uptake has not dramatically increased yet. As a result, improvements in surface modification of bio-polymers through graft copolymerization are enormously important, because they will widen the scope of their applications. Relevant industries for application of these methods include automotive, construction, food, packaging, agriculture, textiles and paper. This book provides an overview of the developments made in the area of biopolymer-based graft polymers. Advantages, disadvantages and suggestions for future works are discussed, assisting materials scientists and researchers in mapping out the future of these new "green" materials through value addition to enhance their use.