F. T. Wallenberger This book serves as an introduction to advanced inorganic fibers and aims to support fundamental research, assist applied scientists and designers in industry, and facilitate materials science instruction in universities and colleges. Its three main sections deal with fibers which are derived from the vapor phase such as single crystal silicon whiskers or carbon nanotubes, from the liquid phase such as advanced glass and single crystal oxide fibers, and from solid precursor fibers such as carbon and ceramic fibers. Contents FIBERS FROM THE VAPOR, LIQUID AND SOLID PHASE 1.1 The most important phase isthe liquid phase 1.2 Afiber by any name isstill afiber 1.3 Biographic sketches ofthe authors 1.4 Acknowledgments CHAPTER 1 FIBERS FROM THE VAPOR, LIQUID AND SOLID PHASE F. T. Wallenberger The book describes advanced inorganic fibers, focuses on principles and concepts, analyzes experimental and commercial processes, and relates process variables to structures, structures tofiber properties and fiber properties to end-use performance. In principle, there are discontinuous or inherently short, and continuous or potentially endless, fibers. Short fibers range from asbestos fibers, which were described as early as 300 BC to carbon nanotubes which were discovered in 1991 [1] and have been fully described in 1999 [2].

Fiberglass and Glass Technology: Energy-Friendly Compositions and Applications provides a detailed overview of fiber, float and container glass technology with special emphasis on energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions, applications and manufacturing practices which have recently become available and continue to emerge. Energy-friendly compositions are variants of incumbent fiberglass and glass compositions that are obtained by the reformulation of incumbent compositions to reduce the viscosity and thereby the energy demand. Environmentally-friendly compositions are variants of incumbent fiber, float and container glass compositions that are obtained by the reformulation of incumbent compositions to reduce environmentally harmful emissions from their melts. Energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions are expected to become a key factor in the future for the fiberglass and glass industries. This book consists of two complementary sections: continuous glass fiber technology and soda-lime-silica glass technology. Important topics covered include: o Commercial and experimental compositions and products o Design of energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions o Emerging glass melting technologies including plasma melting o Fiberglass composite design and engineering o Emerging fiberglass applications and markets Fiberglass and Glass Technology: Energy-Friendly Compositions and Applications is written for researchers and engineers seeking a modern understanding of glass technology and the development of future products that are more energy- and environmentally-friendly than current products.

2. NANOPARTICLES IN A POLYMERIC MATRIX 346 2. 1 Classical Methods to Prepare Nanocomposites 348 2. 2 Other Methods to Prepare Nanocomposite Materials 350 3. NANOCOMPOSITES WITH NATURAL POLYMERS 351 3. 1 Materials and Processes 352 3. 2 Nanocomposites for Bioplastic Applications 353 3. 2. 1 Clay Modification 354 3. 2. 2 Processing 354 3. 2. 3 Analysis 355 3. 2. 4 Manufacturing and Properties of Thin Films 355 3. 2. 5 Conclusions 357 4. BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS 358 4. 1 Chitosan as a Matrix for Biomedical Applications 358 4. 2 Chitosan-Clay Nanocomposites 359 4. 3 Nanocomposites Based on Hydroxyapatite 360 5. SUMMARY 362 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 363 REFERENCES 363 Index 365 Contributing Authors Author Affiliation Chapter P. Aldred Christian Doppler Laboratory, Dornbirn, Austria 9 A. Bockarie PhiladelphiaUniversity, School of Science & Health 5 T. Bunik Philadelphia University, School of Science & Health 5 S. 1. Eichhorn 16 Univ. of Manchester, Manchester Materials Sci. Ctr. D. Eichinger Lenzing AG, Austria, Marketing Department 9 E. Evazynajad PhiladelphiaUniv. , School of Textiles & Mater. Tech. 5 S. Fischer Eindhoven Univ. of Technology, TNO Industrial Tech. 19 H. Firgo Lenzing AG, Research & Development Department 9 E. FroIIini Univ. ofSiio Paulo, Chemical Institure of Sao Carlos 12 T. Fujii Doshisha University, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering 17 B. R. George Philadelphia Univ. , School of Textiles& Mater. Tech. 5 A. Guo Pittsburg State Univ. , Kansas Polymer Research Ctr. 11 S. lavasundera U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Res.

Fiberglass and Glass Technology: Energy-Friendly Compositions and Applications provides a detailed overview of fiber, float and container glass technology with special emphasis on energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions, applications and manufacturing practices which have recently become available and continue to emerge. Energy-friendly compositions are variants of incumbent fiberglass and glass compositions that are obtained by the reformulation of incumbent compositions to reduce the viscosity and thereby the energy demand. Environmentally-friendly compositions are variants of incumbent fiber, float and container glass compositions that are obtained by the reformulation of incumbent compositions to reduce environmentally harmful emissions from their melts. Energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions are expected to become a key factor in the future for the fiberglass and glass industries. This book consists of two complementary sections: continuous glass fiber technology and soda-lime-silica glass technology. Important topics covered include: o Commercial and experimental compositions and products o Design of energy- and environmentally-friendly compositions o Emerging glass melting technologies including plasma melting o Fiberglass composite design and engineering o Emerging fiberglass applications and markets Fiberglass and Glass Technology: Energy-Friendly Compositions and Applications is written for researchers and engineers seeking a modern understanding of glass technology and the development of future products that are more energy- and environmentally-friendly than current products.