Biopolymer-Based Composites: Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications presents a comprehensive review on recent developments in biopolymer-based composites and their use in drug delivery and biomedical applications. The information contained in this book is critical for the more efficient use of composites, as detailed up-to-date information is a pre-requirement. The information provided brings cutting-edge developments to the attention of young investigators to encourage further advances in the field of bio-composite research. Currently, biopolymers are being investigated for the design of various drug delivery and biomedical devices due to their non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible nature. Mostly, biopolymer-based solid orals, gels, hydrogel beads, and transdermal matrices have been designed in order to control drug/protein release in simulated bio-fluids.

Micro and Nano Fibrillar Composites (MFCs and NFCs) from Polymer Blends is a comprehensive reference for researchers, students and scientists working in the field of plastics recycling and composites. The book aims to determine the influence of micro and nanofibrillar morphology on the properties of immiscible blend systems. Chapters cover micro and nanofibrillar composites based on polyolefin, liquid crystal polymer, biodegradable polymers, polyester and polyamide blends in various industrial application fields. The book brings together panels of highly-accomplished experts in the field of plastics recycling, blends and composites systems. For several decades, plastic technology has played an important role in many industrial applications, such as packaging, automobiles, aerospace and construction. However the increasing use of plastics creates a lot of waste. This has led to restrictions on the use of some plastics for certain applications and a drive towards recycling of plastics. More recently, microfibrillar in-situ composites have been prepared from waste plastics such as PET/PP, PET/PE and Nylon/PP as a way of formulating new high performance polymer systems. This book tackles these issues and more, and is an ideal resource for anyone interested in polymer blends.

Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials: Applications provides a clear understanding of the present state of-the-art and the growing utility of hybrid polymer composite materials. It includes contributions from world renowned experts and discusses the combination of different kinds of materials procured from diverse resources. In addition, this volume from the four volume series provides deep insights on the potential of hybrid polymer composite materials for advanced applications.

Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials: Processing presents the latest on these composite materials that can best be described as materials that are comprised of synthetic polymers and biological/inorganic/organic derived constituents. The combination of unique properties that emerge as a consequence of the particular arrangement and interactions between the different constituents provides immense opportunities for advanced material technologies. This series of four volumes brings an interdisciplinary effort to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications, and performance of these advanced materials, with this volume focusing on their processing.

Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials: Volume 1: Structure and Chemistry presents the latest on these composite materials that can best be described as materials that are comprised of synthetic polymers and biological/inorganic/organic derived constituents. The combination of unique properties that emerge as a consequence of the particular arrangement and interactions between the different constituents provides immense opportunities for advanced material technologies. This series of four volumes brings an interdisciplinary effort to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications, and performance of these advanced materials, with this volume focusing on their structure and chemistry.

Cellulose-Reinforced Nanofibre Composites: Production, Properties and Applications presents recent developments in, and applications of, nanocellulose as reinforcement in composite and nanocomposite materials. Written by leading experts, the book covers properties and applications of nanocellulose, including the production of nanocellulose from different biomass resources, the usefulness of nanocellulose as a reinforcement for polymer and paper, and major challenges for successful scale-up production in the future. The chapters draw on cutting-edge research on the use of nanosized cellulose reinforcements in polymer composites that result in advanced material characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The book presents an up-to-date review of the major innovations in the field of nanocellulose and provides a reference material for future research in biomass based composite materials, which is timely due to the sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly demand for highly innovative materials made from biomass. This book is an ideal source of information for scientific and industrial researchers working in materials science.

Seaweed Polysaccharides: Isolation, Biological, and Biomedical Applications examines the isolation and characterization of algal biopolymers, including a range of new biological and biomedical applications. In recent years, significant developments have been made in algae-based polymers (commonly called polysaccharides), and in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound dressings, and tissue engineering. Demand for algae-based polymers is increasing and represent a potential-very inexpensive-resource for these applications. The structure and chemical modification of algal polymers are covered, as well as the biological properties of these materials - including antithrombic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antiviral aspects. Toxicity of algal biopolymers is also covered. Finally, the book introduces and explains real world applications of algal-based biopolymers in biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors. This is the first book to cover the extraction techniques, biomedical applications, and the economic perspective of seaweed polysaccharides. It is an essential text for researchers and industry professionals looking to work with this renewable resource.

With their broad range of properties, polymer blends are widely used in adhesion, colloidal stability, the design of composite and biocompatible materials, and other areas. As the science and technology of polymer blends advances, an increasing number of polymer blend systems and applications continue to be developed. Functional Polymer Blends: Synthesis, Properties, and Performance presents the latest synthesis and characterization methodologies for generating polymer blend systems. This one-stop resource brings together both experimental and theoretical material, much of which has previously only been available in research papers. Featuring contributions by eminent international experts, the book: Reviews polymer blend systems Details miscibility enhancements in polymer blends through multiple hydrogen binding interactions Presents the component dynamics in polymer blend systems Discusses concepts of shape memory polymer blends Considers ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer toughened polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blends Provides theoretical insights through molecular dynamics simulation studies for binary blend miscibility Reports on the conformation and topology of cyclic linear polymer blends (CLBs) Addresses strain hardening in polymer blends with fibril morphology Explores the modification of polymer blends by irradiation techniques Examines the directed assembly of polymer blends using nanopatterned chemical surfaces Combining background and advanced information on technologies, methods, and applications, this practical reference is a must-have for researchers and industry professionals as well as students in materials science, chemistry, and chemical and surface engineering.

While global demand for photovoltaic (PV) modules has increased approximately 45 percent per year over the past decade, PV modules must be durable and inexpensive to compete with traditional energy resources. Often overlooked as a means to improve solar technology, polymer packaging is not only the key to protecting fragile solar cells from environmental factors, but is also the critical path for increasing the power performance of a PV module Solar Module Packaging: Polymeric Requirements and Selection explores current and future opportunities in PV polymeric packaging, emphasizing how it can simultaneously reduce cost, increase weatherability, and improve a PV module's power. The book offers an insider's perspective on the manufacturing processes and needs of the solar industry and reveals opportunities for future material development and processing. A broad survey of the polymeric packaging of solar cells, the text covers various classifications of polymers, their material properties, and optimal processing conditions. Taking a practical approach to material selection, it emphasizes industrial requirements for material development, such as cost reduction, increased material durability, improved module performance, and ease of processing. Addressing cost and profitability, the author examines the economics behind polymeric packaging and how it influences the selection process used by solar companies. Suitable for nonspecialists in polymer science, the book provides a basic understanding of polymeric concepts, fundamental properties, and processing techniques commonly used in solar module packaging. It presents guidelines for using polymers in commercial PV modules as well as the tests required to establish confidence in the selection process.

Anticorrosive Rubber Lining discusses the state-of-the-art in this evolving industry, including sections on the best materials and formulations to use, what's best for a particular application, which repair technique is best for a given application, how long a rubber lining is likely to last, vulcanization parameters, and more. This book deals with the important field of anticorrosive rubber lining and its applications in various industries, including oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace, maritime, and many more, highlighting many of the technological aspects involved. The author offers a unique perspective due to the exclusiveness of the case histories presented, including many industrial rubber lining practices which are mostly kept within the industry. The technical information on rubber presented here is a practical tool to enable engineers to make the best use of rubber linings to prevent corrosion in chemical plants. The book includes valuable insights into bonding systems, surface preparation, and coating methodologies, and also covers failure analysis of failed systems.

This volume reviews a wide range of processing methods which are currently being used for plastics and composites. Special focus lies on advancements in automation, in development of machines and new software for modeling, new materials for ease in manufacturing and strategies to increase productivity.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties-including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness-that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from the outer reaches of space to the inside of the human body. Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers details the fundamentals of SMP makeup, as well as their shape-recovery features and their seemingly endless potential for use in applications ranging from the macro- to submicron scales. With an abundance of illustrations and vivid pictures to explain how SMPs and their composites work and how they can be used, this book covers: History and most recent developments in SMPs Thermomechanical properties and behavior of the polymers and their composites Modification of SMPs and novel actuation mechanisms Large-scale surface pattern generation Multi-shape memory effect Fabrication techniques Characterization of composites A must-have reference for anyone working in the materials science and engineering fields, this book outlines the properties-such as light weight, low cost, and ability to handle high strain-that make the easily processed SMPs so useful in fields including aerospace, biomedicine, and textiles. It is intended to help readers understand and apply the knowledge and techniques presented to develop new innovations that will further benefit society.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decks have been increasingly used for new construction and rehabilitation projects worldwide. The benefits of using FRP bridge decks, such as durability, light weight, high strength, reduced maintenance costs, and rapid installation, outweigh their initial in-place material costs when implemented in highway bridge projects. FRP Deck and Steel Girder Bridge Systems: Analysis and Design compiles the necessary information to facilitate the development of the standards and guidelines needed to promote further adoption of composite sandwich panels in construction. It also, for the first time, proposes a complete set of design guidelines. Providing both experimental investigations and theoretical analyses, this book covers three complementary parts: FRP decks, shear connectors between the deck and steel girders, and the behavior of bridge systems. The text presents stiffness and strength evaluations for FRP deck panels and FRP deck-girder bridge systems. While the FRP deck studies focus on honeycomb FPR sandwich panels over steel girder bridge systems, they can be adapted to other sandwich configurations. Similarly, the shear connection and bridge system studies can be applied to other types of FRP decks. Chapters discuss skin effect, core configuration, facesheet laminates, out-of-plane compression and sheer, mechanical shear connectors, and FRP deck-steel girder bridge systems. Based on the findings described in the text, the authors propose design guidelines and present design examples to illustrate application of the guidelines. In the final chapter, they also provide a systematic analysis and design approach for single-span FRP deck-stringer bridges. This book presents new and improved theories and combines analytical models, numerical analyses, and experimental investigations to devise a practical analysis procedure, resulting in FRP deck design formulations.

Computational chemistry is a science that allows researchers to study, characterize and predict the structure and stability of chemical systems. In other words: studying energy differences between different states to explain spectroscopic properties and reaction mechanisms at the atomic level. This field is gaining in relevance and strength due to field applications from chemical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, biomedicine, biology, materials science, to name but a few. Structural Analysis using Computational Chemistry arises from the need to present the progress of computational chemistry in various application areas. Technical topics discussed in the book include: * Quantum mechanics and structural molecular study (AM1)* Application of quantum models in molecular analysis* Molecular analysis of insulin through controlled adsorption in hydrogels based on chitosan* Analysis and molecular characterization of organic materials for application in solar cells* Determination of thermodynamic properties of ionic liquids through molecular simulation

This important new book provides the fundamental understanding of the peptide and protein drug delivery systems with a special focus on their nanotechnology applications. Addressing an increasing interest in peptide and protein drug delivery systems in both academic and industrial circles worldwide, this book fills the need for a comprehensive review and assessment of conventional and nonconventional routes of administration.

Quality Management in Plastics Processing provides a structured approach to the techniques of quality management, also covering topics of relevance to plastics processors. The book's focus isn't just on implementation of formal quality systems, such as ISO 9001, but about real world, practical guidance in establishing good quality management. Ultimately, improved quality management delivers better products, higher customer satisfaction, increased sales, and reduced operation costs. The book helps practitioners who are wondering how to begin implementing quality management techniques in their business focus on key management and technical issues, including raw materials, processing, and operations. It is a roadmap for all company operations, from people, product design, sales/marketing, and production - all of which are impacted by, and involved in, the implementation of an effective quality management system. Readers in the plastics processing industry will find this comprehensive book to be a valuable resource.

Novel Fire Retardant Polymers and Composite Materials reviews the latest scientific developments and technological advances in the design and manufacture of fire retardant polymers and composite materials. Fire retardant polymeric materials are used in a broad range of applications in fields such as aviation, automotive, computer, construction, electronics, and telecommunications. It is essential to have a better understanding of the scientific technology used in the design and manufacture of fire-resistant materials and their end products. This book includes the latest developments in fire retardant technologies for different polymeric material systems, such as PU, PP, PE, PLA, epoxy, rubber, textile, phenol resin, and PA, etc.

This monograph presents theoretical and experimental studies of flows of elastic liquids. Falling into this category are particularly the melts and concentrated solutions of such flexible-chain polymers as polyethylene, polyisobutylene and polypropylene, all of which are widely used in polymer processing. These polydisperse polymers vary greatly, from batch to batch, in their mechanical properties and 20% variation in a property is believed to be good enough. l 7 All recent books - devoted to the rheology of polymers do not answer the question of which constitutive equations should be used for solving the fluid mechanic problems of polymer processing in the usual case of an appreciable nonlinear region of deformation where nonlinear effects of shear and extensional elasticity are very important. Viscoelastic constitut ive equations cited commonly (see, e.g. Refs 5 and 6) do not describe simultaneously even the simplest cases of deformations, viz. simple shear and uniaxial extension. Moreover, some of them are internally inconsist ent and sometimes display highly unstable behaviour in simple flows without any fundamental reasons. Even more respected molecular ap free from these defects."

With contributions from leading international experts, this essential book gives comprehensive coverage of all areas of metallocene catalysts and metallocene-based polyolefins including details of the very latest developments.
The manufacture of polyolefins by metallocene catalysts represents a revolution in the polymer industry. The last five years in particular have seen a dramatic increase in the volume of research into metallocenes and the maturing of metallocene technology.
The following areas are covered in this comprehensive book: catalyst structure, comonomer incorporation, polymerization mechanisms and conditions, reactor configurations, special properties, comparison with conventional polyolefins, rheological and processing behavior and fields of application.
This is an invaluable book for plastics engineers, polymer chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and all those working in the plastics manufacturing and processing industries.

The research and development activities in energy conversion and storage are playing a significant role in our daily lives owing to the rising interest in clean energy technologies to alleviate the fossil-fuel crisis. Polymers are used in energy conversion and storage technology due to their low-cost, softness, ductility and flexibility compared to carbon and inorganic materials. Polymers in Energy Conversion and Storage provides in-depth literature on the applicability of polymers in energy conversion and storage, history and progress, fabrication techniques, and potential applications. Highly accomplished experts review current and potential applications including hydrogen production, solar cells, photovoltaics, water splitting, fuel cells, supercapacitors and batteries. Chapters address the history and progress, fabrication techniques, and many applications within a framework of basic studies, novel research, and energy applications. Additional Features Include: Explores all types of energy applications based on polymers and its composites Provides an introduction and essential concepts tailored for the industrial and research community Details historical developments in the use of polymers in energy applications Discusses the advantages of polymers as electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells This book is an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists and R&D industrial experts working in the field.

may never overcome the effects of hysteresis and stress (see Chapters 6 and 12). The first sentence of the reference work, Handbook of Liquid Crystals, reads: The terms liquid crystals, crystalline liquid, mesophase, and mesomorphous state are used synonymously to describe a state of aggregation that exhibits a molecular order in a size range similar to that of a crystal but acts more or less as a viscous liquid: [2] In other words, molecules within a liquid crystalline phase possess some orientational order and lack positional order; furthermore, the shape of a liquid crystalline sample is determined by the vessel in which it is contained rather than by the orientational order of its aggregated molecules. The authors recognized the limitations and imprecision of this definition but, like others preceding them, could not devise a simple and generally applicable one that is better. Regardless, the terms 'liquid crystal' and 'mesophase' should not be used interchangeably. As mentioned above, all liquid crystals are mesophases, but all mesophases are not liquid crystals. Recent studies, employing elaborate and sophisticated analytical techniques, have permitted finer distinctions between classical crystals and mesophases. At the same time, they have made definitions like that from the Handbook of Liquid Crystals somewhat obsolete for reasons other than terminology. One part of the problem arises from the use of a combination of bulk properties (like flow) and microscopic properties (like molecular ordering) within the same definition.

Green Polymers and Environment Pollution Control examines the latest developments in the important and growing field of producing conventional polymers from sustainable sources. Presenting cutting-edge research from a group of leading international researchers from academia, government, and industrial institutions, the book explains what green polymers are, why green polymers are needed, which green polymers to use, and how manufacturing companies can integrate them into their manufacturing operations. It goes on to provide guidelines for implementing sustainable practices for traditional petroleum-based plastics, biobased plastics, and recycled plastics. With recent advancements in synthesis technologies and the discovery of new functional monomers, research shows that green polymers with better properties can be produced from renewable resources. The book describes these advances in synthesis, processing, and technology. It provides not only state-of-the-art information but also acts to stimulate research in this direction. Green Polymers and Environment Pollution Control offers an excellent resource for researchers, upper-level graduate students, brand owners, environment and sustainability managers, business development and innovation professionals, chemical engineers, plastics manufacturers, agriculture specialists, biochemists, and suppliers to the industry to debate sustainable, economic solutions for polymer synthesis.

Part of a series of data-rich handbooks within the Plastics Design Library, Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers provides a comprehensive collection of graphical multipoint data and tabular data covering the fatigue and tribological performance of plastics. The handbook is structured by grouping together plastics of similar polymer types into ten chapters. Each of these chapters is split into two sections: Fatigue Properties and Tribological Properties, and together they provide a compendium of several hundred graphs and charts, supplying the core data needed by engineers and scientists on a day-to-day basis. The data for this third edition has been updated to cover upwards of five years since the previous edition was published, and also includes an entirely new chapter covering sustainable and biodegradable polymers. The book also includes an extensive introductory section covering fatigue, what it is and how it is measured; the fundamentals of tribology; polymer chemistry and plastics composition. These chapters also provide readers with a full understanding of the data section, and how to put it to use as a hard-working information tool.

The use of conducting polymers for the anticorrosion protection of metals has attracted great interest during the last 30 years. The design and development of conducting polymers-based coating systems with commercial viability is expected to be advanced by applying nanotechnology and has received substantial attention recently. This book begins with corrosion fundamentals and ends with an emphasis on developments made in conducting polymer science and technology using nanotechnology. Additionally, it gives a detailed account of experimental methods of corrosion testing.

Mineral-filled polymer composites exhibit several advantages that make this material class attractive for a variety of applications, including their low cost, light weight, excellent rigidity, and high mechanical strength. Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites Handbook serves as a comprehensive overview of the latest research, trends, applications, and future directions of advanced mineral fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Comprised of 2 volumes: Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites: Perspective, Properties, and New Materials Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites: Selection, Processing, and Applications Presents details on processing, applications, and ageing of macro- to nanosized mineral reinforced polymer composites Examines fabrication techniques, novel synthesis methods, and mechanical behavior, thermal, flammability, and functional properties of a wide array of mineral filled polymer composite materials Covers a broad range of different research fields, including organic and inorganic filler used in the development of composites for various types of engineering applications Offers the latest developments in nano/micromineral-based polymer composites This book serves as an excellent reference guide for researchers, advanced students, academics, and industry professionals interested in the synthesis of mineral-filled polymer and biopolymer composites, as well as those pursuing research in the broad fields of composite materials, polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid materials, and nano-assembly.