This book discusses the methods synthesizing various carbon materials, like graphite, carbon blacks, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. It also details different functionalization and modification processes used to improve the properties of these materials and composites. From a geometrical–structural point of view, it examines different properties of the composites, such as mechanical, electrical, dielectric, thermal, rheological, morphological, spectroscopic, electronic, optical, and toxic, and describes the effects of carbon types and their geometrical structure on the properties and applications of composites.

The aim of the present edited book is to furnish scientific information about manufacturing, properties, and application of clay and carbon based polymer nanocomposites. It can be used as handbook for undergraduate and post graduate courses (for example material science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, rubber technology, manufacturing engineering, etc.) as well as as reference book for research fellows and professionals. Polymer nanocomposites have received outstanding importance in the present decade because of their broad range of high-performance applications in various areas of engineering and technology due to their special material properties. A great interest is dedicated to nanofiller based polymeric materials, which exhibit excellent enhancement in macroscopic material properties (mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, electrical and many more) at very low filler contents and can therefore be used for the development of next-generation composite materials.

Volume B forms one volume of a Handbook about Polymer Nanocomposites. Volume B deals with Carbon nanotube based polymer composites. The preparation, architecture, characterisation, properties and application of polymer nanocomposites are discussed within some 25 chapters. Each chapter has been authored by experts in the respective field.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have amazing properties and a key way to take advantage of this is by incorporating nanotubes into a matrix to build composite materials. The best candidates for this task are undoubtedly polymers. Almost every characteristic of a polymer can be significantly enhanced by adding carbon nanotubes and as a result, new potential applications of carbon nanotube enhanced polymer composites are discovered every day. However, before carbon nanotube enhanced polymer composites become commonplace there are some tough challenges that need to be overcome. This book reviews the status of worldwide research in both single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotube based composites. It serves as a practical guide on carbon nanotube based composites and a reference to students and researchers from the academia and industry.

Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composites introduces a wide audience of engineers, scientists and product designers to this important and rapidly expanding class of high performance composites. Dr Loos provides readers with the scientific fundamentals of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), CNT composites and nanotechnology in a way which will enable them to understand the performance, capability and potential of the materials under discussion. He also investigates how CNT reinforcement can be used to enhance the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of polymer composites. Production methods, processing technologies and applications are fully examined, with reference to relevant patents. Finally, health and safety issues related to the use of CNTs are investigated. Dr. Loos compares the theoretical expectations of using CNTs to the results obtained in labs, and explains the reasons for the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results. This approach makes the book an essential reference and practical guide for engineers and product developers working with reinforced polymers – as well as researchers and students in polymer science, materials and nanotechnology. A wealth of applications information is included, taken from the wide range of industry sectors utilizing CNT reinforced composites, such as energy, coatings, defense, electronics, medical devices, and high performance sports equipment. - Introduces a wide range of readers involved in plastics engineering, product design and manufacturing to the relevant topics in nano-science, nanotechnology, nanotubes and composites. - Assesses effects of CNTs as reinforcing agents, both in a materials context and an applications setting. - Focuses on applications aspects – performance, cost, health and safety, etc – for a wide range of industry sectors, e.g. energy, coatings, defense, electronics, medical devices, high performance sports equipment, etc.

Carbon-Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental and Energy Applications provides the fundamental physico-chemical characterizations of recently explored carbon-based polymer nanocomposites, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, nanodiamond, fullerenes and other nano-sized carbon allotropes. The book also covers the applications of carbon-based polymer nanocomposite in the environmental and energy fields. Topics range from the various approaches that have been explored and developed for the fabrication of carbon-based polymer nanocomposite, to their applications in tackling environmental and energy related issues. - Provides a clear picture of the current state-of-the-art and future trends in carbon-based polymer nanomaterials - Explains the interactions between nanofiller-polymer matrices and mechanisms related to applications in environmental pollution and energy shortage - Includes computational and experimental studies of the physical and chemical properties of carbon-based polymer nanocomposites - Features chapters written by world leading experts

Electrical Conductivity in Polymer-Based Composites: Experiments, Modelling and Applications offers detailed information on all aspects of conductive composites. These composites offer many benefits in comparison to traditional conductive materials, and have a broad range of applications, including electronic packaging, capacitors, thermistors, fuel cell devices, dielectrics, piezoelectric functions and ferroelectric memories. Sections cover the theory of electrical conductivity and the different categories of conductive composites, describing percolation threshold, tunneling effect and other phenomena in the field. Subsequent chapters present thorough coverage of the key phases in the development and use of conductive composites, including manufacturing methods, external parameters, applications, modelling and testing methods. This is an essential source of information for materials scientists and engineers working in the fields of polymer technology, processing and engineering, enabling them to improve manufacture and testing methods, and to benefit fully from applications. The book also provides industrial and academic researchers with a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of conductive composites and related issues. - Explains the methods used in the manufacture and testing of conductive composites, and in the modeling of electrical conductivity - Contains specialized information on the full range of applications for conductive composites, including conductive adhesives or pastes - Brings scientists, engineers and researchers up-to-date with the latest advances in the field

The increasing use of composite materials over conventional materials has been a continual trend for over a decade. While the fundamental understanding of fiber reinforcement has not changed, many new material advancements have occurred, especially in manufacturing methods, and there is an ever-growing number of composite material applications across various industries. Polymer-Based Composites: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications presents the concepts and methods involved in the development of various fiber-reinforced composite materials. Features: Offers a comprehensive view of materials, mechanics, processing, design, and applications Bridges the gap between research, manufacturing science, and analysis and design Discusses composite materials composed of continuous synthetic fibers and matrices for use in engineering structures Presents codes and standards related to fiber-reinforced polymer composites Includes case studies and examples based on industrial, automotive, aerospace, and household applications This book is a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers, and industry personnel to understand recent advances in the field and achieve practical results in the development, manufacture, and application of advanced composite materials.

Carbon nanomaterials can transfer their excellent electrical conductivity to polymers while enhancing or maintaining their original mechanical properties. Conductive polymer composites based on carbon nanomaterials are finding increasing applications in aerospace, automotive, and electronic industries when flexibility or lightweight is required. Carbon-Based Conductive Polymer Composites: Processing, Properties, and Applications in Flexible Strain Sensors summarizes recent remarkable achievements in the processing–structure–property relationship of conductive polymer composites based on carbon nanomaterials. It also discusses research developments for their application in flexible strain sensors and novel processing methods like additive manufacturing. Presents the state of the art in conductive composite materials and their application in flexible strain sensors. Uniquely combines the processing, structure, properties, and applications of conductive polymer composites. Integrates theory and practice. Benefits plastics converters who wish to take full advantage of the potential of conductive plastic materials. This book is written for material scientists and engineers researching and applying these advanced materials for a variety of applications.

Nanoparticle-Based Polymer Composites discusses recent advancements on the synthesis, processing, characterization and applications of this new class of hybrid materials. Chapters cover recycling and lifecycle assessment, with contributions from leading researchers in industry, academics, the government and private research institutes from across the globe. As nanoparticle-based polymer composites are now replacing traditional polymer composites in a broad range of applications such as fuel cells, electronic and biomedical devices, this book presents the latest advancements in the field.Studies have shown that incorporating metal nanoparticles in polymer matrices can improve their mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties. The unique combination of these properties makes this new class of materials suitable for a broad range of different and advanced applications. - Features recent advancements on the synthesis, processing and characterization of nanoparticle-based polymer composites - Discusses recycling and lifecycle assessment - Highly application-orientated, with contributions from leading international researchers in industry, academia, the government and private research institutes