This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibres such as pulp fibre, cotton, sisal, flax and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibres and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed. Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. The content of this book caters to students, researchers and academics who are interested in the synthesis and applications of geopolymers composites.

This book focuses on the processing, materials design, characterisation, and properties of polymer composites and nanocomposites for use as electromagnetic radiation shielding materials and to enhance radiation shielding capacity in order to meet the safety requirements for use in medical X-ray imaging facilities. It presents an in-depth analysis of materials synthesis methods such as melt-mixing, ion-implantation, solution casting and electrospinning. In addition, it measures the X-ray attenuation behaviour of fabricated composites and nanocomposites in four major types of X-ray equipment, namely general radiography, mammography, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy units. Given its scope, the book will benefit researchers, engineers, scientists and practitioners in the fields of medical imaging, diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy.

This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of polymeric eco-composites and eco-nanocomposites reinforced natural fibers (e.g. pulp-fiber, flax, etc.) and nanofillers (e.g. organoclay, nano-SiC, etc.). Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. This book offers numerous graphs and electron micrographs for easy understanding by students, researchers and practicing engineers.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has drawn considerable attention as an attractive inorganic raw material for various applications due to its inexpensiveness, nontoxic nature, stability, and excellent photocatalytic activity. Photocatalysis is one of the most promising route for sustainable chemistry of the 21st century. It can contribute to solving environmental, global energy, and chemical problems, as well as to the sustainable production of commodities in the near future. This book presents the fundamentals of photocatalysis in nanostructured TiO2 and describes the factors affecting the photocatalytic activity, design, and synthesis of various forms of nanostructured TiO2. It highlights the use of ion-doping and inert-atmosphere annealing to extend the light-absorption range of photocatalysts and reduce recombination between electrons and holes. It discusses numerous applications in the fields of energy and environment, such as water purification, gas sensing, storage and delivery, and energy generation. The book is an invaluable resource and useful guide for a broad readership in various fields of catalysis, materials science, environment, and energy.

This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibres such as pulp fibre, cotton, sisal, flax and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibres and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed. Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. The content of this book caters to students, researchers and academics who are interested in the synthesis and applications of geopolymers composites.

This brief describes a novel approach to overcome the disadvantages of hemp fibres in cementitious composites. The authors describe how the new approach includes the combination of thermal pre-treatment of nanoclay (producing calcined nanoclay) and chemical pre-treatment of fibre surfaces to improve the microstructure, mechanical, physical and thermal properties and also durability of hemp fibre reinforced cement composites. In this work, the synthesis of several materials are studied: nanoclay-cement nanocomposite, calcined nanoclay-cement nanocomposite, untreated & treated hemp fabric-reinforced cement composite, hemp fabric-reinforced nanoclay-cement nanocomposite and treated hemp fabric-reinforced nanoclay-cement nanocomposite. The influence of nanoclay on properties of cement paste and hemp fabric-reinforced cement composite is also presented together with the influence of NaOH pre-treatment of fibre surfaces on properties of hemp fabric-reinforced cement composite. The authors have aimed this brief at those working on environmental-friendly, biodegradable, building materials.

This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of polymeric eco-composites and eco-nanocomposites reinforced natural fibers (e.g. pulp-fiber, flax, etc.) and nanofillers (e.g. organoclay, nano-SiC, etc.). Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. This book offers numerous graphs and electron micrographs for easy understanding by students, researchers and practicing engineers.

Composite materials have been well developed to meet the challenges of high-performing material properties targeting engineering and structural applications. The ability of composite materials to absorb stresses and dissipate strain energy is vastly superior to that of other materials such as polymers and ceramics, and thus they offer engineers many mechanical, thermal, chemical and damage-tolerance advantages with limited drawbacks such as brittleness. Composite Materials: Manufacturing, Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of current status and future directions, latest technologies and innovative work, challenges and opportunities for composite materials. The chapters present latest advances and comprehensive coverage of material types, design, fabrication, modelling, properties and applications from conventional composite materials to advanced composites such as nanocomposites, self-healing and smart composites. The book targets researchers in the field of advanced composite materials and ceramics, students of materials science and engineering at the postgraduate level, as well as material engineers and scientists working in industrial R& D sectors for composite material manufacturing.