Polymer composites are materials in which the matrix polymer isreinforced with organic/inorganic fillers of a definite size andshape, leading to enhanced performance of the resultant composite.These materials find a wide number of applications in such diversefields as geotextiles, building, electronics, medical, packaging,and automobiles. This first systematic reference on the topic emphasizes thecharacteristics and dimension of this reinforcement. The authors are leading researchers in the field from academia,government, industry, as well as private research institutionsacross the globe, and adopt a practical approach here, coveringsuch aspects as the preparation, characterization, properties andtheory of polymer composites. The book begins by discussing the state of the art, new challenges,and opportunities of various polymer composite systems. Interfacialcharacterization of the composites is discussed in detail, as isthe macro- and micromechanics of the composites. Structure-propertyrelationships in various composite systems are explained with thehelp of theoretical models, while processing techniques for variousmacro- to nanocomposite systems and the influence of processingparameters on the properties of the composite are reviewed indetail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic,viscoelastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, tribological,rheological, optical, electrical and barrier properties arehighlighted, as well as their myriad applications. Divided into three volumes: Vol. 1. Macro- and Microcomposites;Vol. 2. Nanocomposites; and Vol. 3. Biocomposites.

This new book provides a solid understanding of the recent developments in the field of composites and nanocomposites. It explains the significance of the new fillers, such as graphene and arbon nanotubes in different matrix systems. The application of these materials in biological and others fields also makes this book unique. This detailed

Polyurethane Polymers: Composites and Nanocomposites concentrates on the composites and nanocomposites of polyurethane based materials. Polyurethane composites are a very important class of materials widely used in the biomedical and industrial field that offer numerous potential applications in many areas. This book discusses current research and identifies future research needs in the area. - Provides an elaborate coverage of the chemistry of polyurethane, its synthesis, and properties - Includes available characterization techniques - Relates types of polyurethanes to their potential properties - Discusses composites, nanocomposites options, and PU recycling

Explore the dynamic world of carbon-based composites and nanocomposites, where innovation intersects with environmental consciousness. This expansive volume delves into the multifaceted role of carbon composites in combating pollution, from the versatility of activated carbon in adsorbing emerging contaminants to the strategic application of carbon-polymer composites for environmental challenges. Discover the effectiveness of activated carbon in adsorbing emerging contaminants and the strategic use of carbon-polymer composites in addressing environmental challenges. Gain insights into the transformative potential of biochar and the synergistic interplay of carbon and metal nanoparticle composites, carbon nanotubes, and nano-fibers in water purification and sustainable environmental applications.

Starch is one of the most widely available natural biomaterials and is commonly used in biodegradable packaging. This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in starch-based materials. The book focuses on the types of starch available from different sources, in particular the various aspects of preparation, structure, processing, morphology, properties and applications of starch materials and their polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. It is ideal for students and researchers in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, biotechnology and life sciences working in bio-based and biodegradable polymers and composites, well as those interested in its applications.

The use of polymer composites in various engineering applications has become state of the art. This multi-author volume provides a useful summary of updated knowledge on polymer composites in general, practically integrating experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modeling at different scales, i. e. , from nano- to macroscale. Detailed consideration is given to four major areas: structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites, characterization and modeling, processing and application of macrocomposites, and mechanical performance of macrocomposites. The idea to organize this volume arose from a very impressive workshop - The First International Workshop on Polymers and Composites at IVW Kaiserslautern: Invited Humboldt-Fellows and Distinguished Scientists, which was held on May 22-24,2003 at the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. The contributing authors were invited to incorporate updated knowledge and developments into their individual chapters within a year after the workshop, which finally led to these excellent contributions. The success of this workshop was mainly sponsored by the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through a Sofia Kovalevskaja Award Program, financed by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research within the "Investment in the Future Program" of the German Government. In 2001, the Humboldt Foundation launched this new award program in order to offer outstanding young researchers throughout the world an opportunity to establish their own work-groups and to develop innovative research concepts virtually in Germany. One of the editors, Z.

Polymer Nanocomposite-Based Smart Materials: From Synthesis to Application provides a broad, comprehensive review on all major categories of smart materials and their preparation routes. The main application fields and properties for these diverse types of smart polymer-based composite and nanocomposite materials are also discussed. Chapters on modeling methods and simulation look at the physical or chemical change response that is introduced by the effect of changing environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, mechanical force and light. Written by scholars and experts from around the globe, the book covers key aspects, such as synthesis, processing and applications of polymer and nanocomposite-based smart materials. - Features a board range of different polymer nanocomposites-based smart materials - Contains coverage of synthesis applications as well as experimental, modeling and theoretical results - Includes comprehensive coverage on preparation and testing methods

This unique multidisciplinary 8-volume set focuses on the emerging issues concerning synthesis, characterization, design, manufacturing and various other aspects of composite materials from renewable materials and provides a shared platform for both researcher and industry. The Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials comprises a set of 8 individual volumes that brings an interdisciplinary perspective to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between the synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications and performance of these advanced materials. The Handbook comprises 169 chapters from world renowned experts covering a multitude of natural polymers/ reinforcement/ fillers and biodegradable materials. Volume 7 is solely focused on the "Nanocomposites: Science and Fundamentals" of renewable materials. Some of the important topics include but not limited to: Preparation, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials from renewable resources; hydrogels and its nanocomposites from renewable resources: preparation of chitin-based nanocomposite materials through gelation with ionic liquid; starch-based bionanocomposites; biorenewable nanofiber and nanocrystal; investigation of wear characteristics of dental composite reinforced with rice husk-derived nanosilica filler particles; performance of regenerated cellulose/vermiculite nanocomposites fabricated via ionic liquid; preparation, structure, properties, and interactions of the PVA/cellulose composites; green composites with cellulose nanoreinforcements; biomass composites from bamboo-based micro/nanofibers; synthesis and medicinal properties of polycarbonates and resins from renewable sources; nanostructured polymer composites with modified carbon nanotubes; organic–inorganic nanocomposites derived from polysaccharides; natural polymer-based nanocomposites; cellulose whisker-based green polymer composites; poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites reinforced with different additives; nanocrystalline cellulose; halloysite-based bionanocomposites; nanostructurated composites based on biodegradable polymers and silver nanoparticles; starch-based biomaterials and nanocomposites; green nanocomposites based on PLA and natural organic fillers; and chitin and chitosan-based nanocomposites.

The main aims of this book are to summarize the fundamentals, synthesis methods, properties and applications of nanomaterials, so as to provide readers with a systematic knowledge on nanomaterials. In addition, the book covers most commonly used characterization tools pertaining to nanomaterials. Further, it deals with relevant aspects of nanocomposites which contains dispersion of nano-sized particulates, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the matrices (polymer, metal and ceramic). It also discusses development of smart nano textiles (intelligent textiles), self-cleaning glass, sensors, actuators, ferro-fluids, and wear resistant nano coatings. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, the key features on this book include: Top-down and bottom-up approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials included Illustrates sample preparation and basic principle of characterization tools for nanomaterials Explains calculation of ratios of surface area to volume and surface atoms to bulk atoms Reviews synthesis, properties and applications of carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanomaterials Discusses size effect on thermal, mechanical, optical, magnetic and electrical properties

Fiber-reinforced Nanocomposites: Fundamentals and Applications explores the fundamental concepts and emerging applications of fiber-reinforced nanocomposites in the automobile, aerospace, transportation, construction, sporting goods, optics, electronics, acoustics and environmental sector. In addition, the book provides a detailed overview of the properties of fiber-reinforced nanocomposites, including discussion on embedding these high-strength fibers in matrices. Due to the mismatch in structure, density, strain and thermal expansion coefficients between matrix and fibers, their thermo-mechanical properties strongly depend not only on the preparative methods, but also on the interaction between reinforcing phase and matrix phase. This book offers a concise overview of these advances and how they are leading to the creation of stronger, more durable classes of nanocomposite materials. - Explores the interaction between fiber, nanoreinforcers and matrices at the nanoscale - Shows how the properties of fiber-enforced nanocomposites are ideal for use for a variety of consumer products - Outlines the major challenges to creating fiber-reinforced nanocomposites effectively