Discovered in the twentieth century, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were an integral part of science and industry by the beginning of the twenty first century, revolutionizing chemistry, physics, and materials science. More recent advances in carbon nanotube production methods have resulted in a tremendous push to incorporate CNTs into polymer matrices. Although many advances have been made, two major obstacles continue unresolved: the enhancement of interfacial adhesion between CNTs and polymer matrix, and the improvement of dispersion of CNTs in polymers. Both substantial original contributors to the field, the authors present Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement, the first monograph on various conventional and innovative techniques to disperse and functionalize carbon nanotubes for polymer reinforcement, elegantly explaining the basic sciences and technologies involved in those processes. Topics covered include: * Use of CNTs in fabricating novel polymer composites * Principles and mechanisms behind CNT dispersion and functionalization * Methods for the functionalization and dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrices * Effects of CNTs on functional and mechanical properties of polymer composites * Optimization of CNT/polymer nanocomposite fabrication Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement is a comprehensive treatment and critical review of the new class of polymer nanocomposites, and points to areas of future developments. Composites engineers, scientists, researchers, and students will find the basic knowledge and technical results contained herein informative and useful references for their work, whether for advanced research or for design and manufacture of such composites.

This handbook provides a framework for understanding how to characterize plastic manufacturing processes for use in troubleshooting problems. The 21 chapters are authored by well-known and experienced engineers who have specialized knowledge about the processes covered in this practical guide.

From the Preface:

"In every chapter, the process is described and the most common problems are discussed along with the root causes and potential technical solutions. Numerous case studies are provided that illustrate the troubleshooting process. Mark A. Spalding, The Dow Chemical Company

As an area of high topical interest , Biopolymers New materials for Sustainable Films and Coatings covers the development and utilization of polymers derived from bioresources, with a particular focus on film and coating applications. With growing concern for the environment and the rising price of crude oil, there is increasing demand for non-petroleum-based polymers from renewable resources. Leading research groups worldwide in industry and academe are working on such technology with the objective of applying the latest advances in the field. Written by well-respected experts, this text systematically covers the extraction and production of selected biopolymers as well as their properties and application as films or coatings in a variety of uses. The areas addressed include food packaging, edible coatings, paper coatings and agricultural films. Intended for researchers and students, this book will also be of interest to industry, especially in terms of the practical applications.

With its content taken from only the very latest results, this is an extensive summary of the various polymeric materials used for biomedical applications. Following an introduction listing various functional polymers, including conductive, biocompatible and conjugated polymers, the book goes on to discuss different synthetic polymers that can be used, for example, as hydrogels, biochemical sensors, functional surfaces, and natural degradable materials. Throughout, the focus is on applications, with worked examples for training purposes as well as case studies included. The whole is rounded off with a look at future trends.

Chain Mobility and Progress in Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Polymer Science and Technology covers the core fundamentals and applications of chain movement, chain mobility, segmental mobility, segmental dynamics, and chain orientation in polymer science, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and other disciplines. The book starts by defining principal terms, then looks at the work of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes and his 1991 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on polymer-chain motion. From there the book discusses the different mechanisms of chain motion of macromolecular substances, the conditions under which chains move, and the effects of these movements on properties of materials, such as chain alignment, chain orientation, creation of free volume, dimensional stability, and more. The final chapters provide insight on analytical methods of chain movement, chain movement phenomena in different polymers, and various fields of application. All concepts, findings, and applications are discussed in easy-to-understand language stripped of disciplinary slang, making the book accessible to researchers and practitioners across a variety of scientific fields.

Given the importance of injection molding as a process as well as the simulation industry that supports it, there was a need for a book that deals solely with the modeling and simulation of injection molding. This book meets that need. The modeling and simulation details of filling, packing, residual stress, shrinkage, and warpage of amorphous, semi-crystalline, and fiber-filled materials are described. This book is essential for simulation software users, as well as for graduate students and researchers who are interested in enhancing simulation. And for the specialist, numerous appendices provide detailed information on the topics discussed in the chapters.

CO2-philic Polymers, Nanocomposites and Chemical Solvents: Capture, Conversion and Industrial Products is a multidisciplinary book that provides a compilation of concrete information on various polymers, porous materials hydrogels, membranes, nanoparticles, biochar metal-organic frameworks, bioinspired surfaces, polysaccharides, organic solvents, chemicals, eutectic solvents, amine-based chemical compounds, porphyrins, ionic liquids, ceramics and cutting-edge technologies for CO2 sequestration and conversion. Each chapter covers the latest developments and methods of synthesis and applications in the area. The book discusses, in detail, valuable commercial products from CO2, such as ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and precursors of other fine chemicals. The book covers the scientific, technological and practical concepts concerning the research, development and realization of CO2-philic polymers, nanocomposites and chemical solvents. This makes it a valuable resource for academic researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering, materials science and chemical engineers/engineers working in the industry.

Since the publication of the successful first edition of the book in 2010, the field has matured and a large number of advancements have been made to the science of polymer nanotube nanocomposites (PNT) in terms of synthesis, filler surface modification, as well as properties. Moreover, a number of commercial applications have been realized. The aim of this second volume of the book is, thus, to update the information presented in the first volume as well as to incorporate the recent research and industrial developments. This edited volume brings together contributions from a variety of senior scientists in the field of polymer nanotube composites technology to shed light on the recent advances in these commercially important areas of polymer technology. The book provides the following features: Reviews the various synthesis techniques, properties and applications of the polymer nanocomposite systems. Describes the functionalization strategies for single walled nanotubes in order to achieve their nanoscale dispersion in epoxy matrices. Provides insights into the multiscale modeling of the properties of PNT. Provides perspectives on the electron microscopy characterization of PNT. Presents an overview of the different methodologies to achieve micro-patterning of PNT. Describes the recent progress on hybridization modifications of CNTs with carbon nanomaterials and their further applications in polymer nanocomposites. Provides details on the foams generates with PNT. Provides information on synthesis and properties of polycarbonate nanocomposite. Describes the advanced microscopy techniques for understanding of the polymer/nanotube composite interfaces and properties.

Smart ceramic coatings containing multifunctional components are now finding application in transportation and automotive industries, in electronics, and energy, sectors, in aerospace and defense, and in industrial goods and healthcare. Their wide application and stability in harsh environments are only possible due to the stability of the inorganic components that are used in ceramic coatings. Ceramic coatings are typically silicon nitride, chromia, hafnia, alumina, alumina-magnesia, silica, silicon carbide, titania, and zirconia-based compositions. The increased demand for these materials and their application in energy, transportation, and the automotive industry, are considered, to be the main drivers. Advanced Ceramic Coatings for Emerging Applications covers new developments in automotive, construction, electronic, space and defense industries. The book is one of four volumes that together provide a comprehensive resource in the field of Advanced Ceramic Coatings, also including titles covering: fundamentals, manufacturing, and classification; energy; and biomedical applications. The books will be extremely useful for academic and industrial researchers and practicing engineers who need to find reliable and up-to-date information about recent progresses and new developments in the field of advanced ceramic coatings. It will also be of value to early career scientists providing background knowledge to the field.

Distinguishing among blends, alloys and other types of combinations, clarifying terminology and presenting data on new processes and materials, this work present up-to-date and effective compounding techniques for polymers. It offers extensive analyses on the challenging questions that surround miscibility, compatibility, dynamic processing, interaction/phase behaviour, and computer simulations for predicting behaviours of polymer mixture and interaction.

This volume provides in-depth knowledge and recent research on polymers and nanostructured materials from synthesis to advanced applications. Leading researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions across the globe have contributed to this volume, covering new research on nanocomposites, polymer technology, and electrochemistry.

As researchers seek replacements for banned, ozone-depleting foaming agents, the authors of Thermoplastic Foam Processing: Principles and Development strive to develop a better understanding of foaming processes and find solutions for day-to-day practice. This book presents the latest research in foam extrusion and physical foaming agents with a strong focus on the interaction of material components in the foaming process. As part of the Polymeric Foams series and a companion to the volume, Foam Extrusion: Principles and Practice (2000), the book includes new topics such as polymer blends and mechanical properties, and further develops several vital topics appearing in Foam Extrusion, such as extensional rheology and solubility/diffusivity. The text also addresses factors that affect the critical interaction between polymer and gas in the foaming process, such as polymer plasticization, gas dissolution, phase separation, foaming, and stabilization. Written by experts, the book provides clear information on the mechanisms and the practical conditions experienced during nucleation and cell growth. In the midst of new research for alternative, environmentally friendly foaming agents, Thermoplastic Foam Processing: Principles and Development gives the reader a clear understanding of the current trends in R & D and an up-to-date review of the state of the art in thermoplastic foam processing. This book provides useful tools for the development and validation of innovative physical foaming agent and polymer combinations for current and future research.

Nanomaterials for Bioreactors and Bioprocessing Applications explores the potential of nanomaterials in improving the efficiency of bioprocessing industries and next-generation bioreactors. The book provides information on various newly synthesized nanomaterials in bioreactors for scaling up the bioprocess to an industrial level, the criteria and properties of nanomaterials to be used in bioprocessing, advantages, challenges while using the nanomaterials, and the economic constraints. In addition, the book also discusses the fate of various nanomaterials in the bioprocess, the chances of product contamination and its prevention. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and biomedical engineers information on the synthesized nanomaterials that are available for bioreactors and bioprocesses, and the various optimized conditions and precautions to be taken.

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.

Three-dimensional molded interconnect devices (MIDs) enable mechanical, electronic, optical, thermal and fluidic functions to be integrated into injection-molded components. Function integration on this scale goes hand in hand with a high level of geometrical design freedom and opportunities for miniaturization, plus the associated reduction in weight and savings on product costs. MIDs are made primarily of recyclable thermoplastics, so they are more environmentally compatible than alternatives produced using other available technologies. MIDs are used in virtually every sector of electronics. The many standard applications for MIDs in the automotive industry in particular also drive for further development and research into MID technology. The significance of MID technology is also increasing in medical engineering, IT and telecommunications and in industrial automation, with numerous applications now successfully implemented in all these various fields. This book offers a comprehensive insight into the state of the art in 3D-MID technology along the entire process chain. Individual chapters, moreover, deal with systematics of targeted development of MID parts and explore, with a dozen and more successful series-production applications as examples, the widely diverse fields of application for MID technology.

A Practical Guide to Understanding the NMR of Polymers presents an introduction to the theory and practice of NMR, and includes sections on the fundamental principles of NMR and the applications to polymers. This book will help readers understand how these methods can be used to determine the chemical structure of polymers that influences the macroscopic properties. Solid state NMR methods are introduced to enable the readers to measure the structure of polymers on longer length scales. It is also shown how NMR is used to measure the molecular dynamics that can be related to the mechanical properties of polymers.

Polyesters are one of the most important class of polymers in use today. Hundreds of polyesters exist although only about a dozen are of commercial significance. Polyesters are ubiquitous materials in modern life and are used in diverse applications from drink bottles and photographic film to shirts and fabrics. This book serves as a comprehensive, up-to-date reference and includes the following sections:

• Historical development

• Polymerization & polycondensation

• Polyester types

• Fibers, compounds and modifying additives

• Depolymerization & degradation

• Liquid crystal polyesters

• Unsaturated polyesters

Comprehensive coverage of polyester resins with an emphasis on their structure-property relationships is provided. Polyester types covered in detail include: PET, PET copolymers, PCT, PCTG, PCTA, PBT, PEN, PTT, cyclic polyester oligomers, LCP and UP's. The latest advances in polyesters are described along with current and emerging application areas.

This work contains more than 20 contributions with experts from both academia and industry from North America, Europe, the Far East and Australia.

An essential book for plastics engineers, polymer chemists, material scientists and those working in the plastics manufacturing and processing industries that deal with polyester resins.

Any general management book can give you the basics of quality assurance, strategic planning, logistics, and more. But how do you apply that knowledge to a company that requires not only sound business practices but also sound science to succeed? And how do you deal with the impact of globalized competition, a fluctuating world economy, and growing pressure from environmental groups and government regulators? Revised and updated throughout, Strategic Management for the Plastics Industry: Dealing with Globalization and Sustainability, Second Edition continues to combine coverage of management best practices with coverage of issues specific to the plastics industry. The author outlines the fundamentals of polymer manufacturing, compounding, distribution, processing, and auxiliary products that make this industry unique, and shows how these factors affect management decisions. Using case studies and examples, he demonstrates the thinking behind successful managerial choices and illustrates what errors to avoid. The book also explains the interrelationships between technologies, markets, business sectors, and strategies in the plastics industry. Topics include company culture, staffing, how to manage internal growth, the "dos and don'ts" of acquisitions, and much more. The material is based on the author's more than 55 years of experience, extensive research, and interviews with managers throughout the industry. What's New in This Edition A new chapter on globalization and sustainability All chapters revised and updated Updated case studies, and one new case study The book is written for a broad audience, including aspiring professionals who wish to become managers, managers who want to round out their skills, consultants to the industry, and university students and faculty in plastics engineering and polymer chemistry departments. The combination of experience-based in

Tribology of Polymers, Polymer Composites, and Polymer Nanocomposites combines fundamental knowledge with the latest findings in the area of polymer tribology. From testing of property-related mechanisms to prediction of wear using artificial neural networks, the book explores all relevant polymer types, including elastomers, epoxy-based, nylon, and more while also discussing their different types of reinforcement, such as particulates, short fibers, natural fibers, and beyond. New developments in sustainable materials, environmental effects, nanoscaled fillers, and self-lubrication are each discussed, as are applications of these materials, guidelines for when to use certain polymer systems, and functional groups of polymers. Experimental methods and modeling and prediction techniques are also outlined. The tribology of graphene-based, biodegradable, hybrid nanofiller/polymer nanocomposites and other types of polymers is discussed at length.

Plastics to Energy: Fuel, Chemicals, and Sustainability Implications covers important trends in the science and technology of polymer recovery, such as the thermo-chemical treatment of plastics, the impact of environmental degradation on mechanical recycling, incineration and thermal unit design, and new options in biodegradable plastics. The book also introduces product development opportunities from waste materials and discusses the main processes and pathways of the conversion of polymeric materials to energy, fuel and chemicals. A particular focus is placed on industrial case studies and academic reviews, providing a practical emphasis that enables plastics practitioners involved in end-of-life aspects to employ these processes. Final sections examine lifecycle and cost analysis of different plastic waste management processes, exploring the potential of various techniques in modelling, optimization and simulation of waste management options.

The Effect of Temperature and Other Factors on the Properties of Plastics and Elastomers, Fourth Edition provides data on the wide spectrum of plastics and TPEs with special reference to thermal stability. The mechanical, physical and electrical properties of plastics and elastomers are described as a function of temperature and humidity to help with the design of lighter more cost-effective plastic parts to replace metal ones. In this new edition, expertly edited data makes it easy for readers to learn about the properties of plastic materials without having to search the general literature or depend on suppliers. Additional types of plastics are examined, and the latest data on material characteristics are provided. Complex details such as how the thermal prehistory can effect final mechanical properties, and how temperature scans reveal dynamic mechanical behavior are also examined to build a deeper understanding of the materials.

Polymeric materials offer a high level of versatility due to the range of applications possible within the biomedical and clinical fields - including wound closure - particularly in comparison to metals or ceramics. These specialised materials also allow for a diverse array of therapeutic effects. Although there have been advances in improving polymeric materials for surgical sutures, there is little information available regarding improving the therapeutic value of sutures, and advanced technologies used to implement this improvement. Advanced Technologies and Polymer Materials for Surgical Sutures provides thorough coverage on suture materials with improved mechanical and therapeutic properties that can improve quality of life; chapter topics include drug-releasing kinetics of sutures, shape memory polymer sutures and future trends. This book is a useful resource for academics and researchers in the materials science and biomedical engineering fields, as well as professionals in biomaterials and biotextiles development and clinicians looking to learn more about suture material properties and suture/body interactions.

Magnetic Nanoferrites and their Composites: Environmental and Biomedical Applications addresses recent developments in this important research field. The book covers the latest synthesis and fabrication techniques, properties, characterization and multifunctional biomedical and environmental applications. Chapters provide cutting-edge research while addressing the latest scenarios, recent developments, future aspects, and challenges and opportunities attributed to their excellent properties, including large surface-to-volume ratio, high chemical stability, low eddy losses, moderate values of saturation magnetization and coercivity, large adsorption, non-toxicity, bio-degradable and biocompatibility. This book will be a valuable reference resource for researchers, engineers and technologists working in this important research field. Magnetic nanoferrites and their composites are now utilized in a broad range of different application fields such as catalysis, biomedicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tissue targeting, drug delivery, sensors, environmental remediation, data storage, transformers, switching devices, high frequency and microwave devices.

This book focuses on exciting new research in polymer science. The first section of the book deals with new advancements in polymer technology, which includes polymers that are responsible for progress in the field of energy, electronics, and medical sciences. It focuses on the most promising polymer nanocomposites and nanomaterials. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve quality of life. The second section of the book highlights this aspect of macromolecules, while the third section emphasizes biopolymers, their development, and applications.

Sustainable Composites for Aerospace Applications presents innovative advances in the fabrication, characterization and applications of LDH polymer nanocomposites. It covers fundamental structural and chemical knowledge and explores various properties and characterization techniques, including microscopic, spectroscopic and mechanical behaviors. Users will find a strong focus on the potential applications of LDH polymer nanocomposites, such as in energy, electronics, electromagnetic shielding, biomedical, agricultural, food packaging and water purification functions. This book provides comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge research in the field of LDH polymer nanocomposites and future applications, and is an essential read for all academics, researchers, engineers and students working in this area.