In this book, the self-healing of composite structures with shape memory polymer as either matrix or embedded suture is systematically discussed. Self-healing has been well known in biological systems for many years: a typical example is the self-healing of human skin. Whilst a minor wound can be self-closed by blood clotting, a deep and wide cut needs external help by suturing. Inspired by this observation, this book proposes a two-step close-then-heal (CTH) scheme for healing wide-opened cracks in composite structures–by constrained shape recovery first, followed by molecular healing. It is demonstrated that the CTH scheme can heal wide-opened structural cracks repeatedly, efficiently, timely, and molecularly. It is believed that self-healing represents the next-generation technology and will become an engineering reality in the near future. The book consists of both fundamental background and practical skills for implementing the CTH scheme, with additional focus on understanding strain memory versus stress memory and healing efficiency evaluation under various fracture modes. Potential applications to civil engineering structures, including sealant for bridge decks and concrete pavements, and rutting resistant asphalt pavements, are also explored. This book will help readers to understand this emerging field, and to establish a framework for new innovation in this direction. Key features: explores potential applications of shape memory polymers in civil engineering structures, which is believed to be unique within the literature balanced testing and mathematical modeling, useful for both academic researchers and practitioners the self-healing scheme is based on physical change of polymers and is written in an easy to understand style for engineering professionals without a strong background in chemistry

Self-Healing Polymer-Based Systems presents all aspects of self-healing polymeric materials, offering detailed information on fundamentals, preparation methods, technology, and applications, and drawing on the latest state-of-the-art research. The book begins by introducing self-healing polymeric systems, with a thorough explanation of underlying concepts, challenges, mechanisms, kinetic and thermodynamics, and types of chemistry involved. The second part of the book studies the main categories of self-healing polymeric material, examining elastomer-based, thermoplastic-based, and thermoset-based materials in turn. This is followed by a series of chapters that examine the very latest advances, including nanoparticles, coatings, shape memory, self-healing biomaterials, ionomers, supramolecular polymers, photoinduced and thermally induced self-healing, healing efficiency, life cycle analysis, and characterization. Finally, novel applications are presented and explained. This book serves as an essential resource for academic researchers, scientists, and graduate students in the areas of polymer properties, self-healing materials, polymer science, polymer chemistry, and materials science. In industry, this book contains highly valuable information for R&D professionals, designers, and engineers, who are looking to incorporate self-healing properties in their materials, products, or components. - Provides comprehensive coverage of self-healing polymeric materials, covering principles, techniques, and applications - Includes the very latest developments in the field, such as the role of nanofillers in healing, life cycle analysis of materials, and shape memory assisted healing - Enables the reader to unlock the potential of self-healing polymeric materials for a range of advanced applications

With composites under increasing use in industry to replace traditional materials in components and structures, the modeling of composite performance, damage and failure has never been more important. Micromechanics of Composite Materials: A Generalized Multiscale Analysis Approach brings together comprehensive background information on the multiscale nature of the composite, constituent material behaviour, damage models and key techniques for multiscale modelling, as well as presenting the findings and methods, developed over a lifetime's research, of three leading experts in the field. The unified approach presented in the book for conducting multiscale analysis and design of conventional and smart composite materials is also applicable for structures with complete linear and nonlinear material behavior, with numerous applications provided to illustrate use. Modeling composite behaviour is a key challenge in research and industry; when done efficiently and reliably it can save money, decrease time to market with new innovations and prevent component failure. This book provides the tools and knowledge from leading micromechanics research, allowing researchers and senior engineers within academia and industry with to improve results and streamline development workflows. - Brings together for the first time the findings of a lifetime's research in micromechanics by recognized leaders in the field - Provides a comprehensive overview of all micromechanics formulations in use today and a unified approach that works for the multiscale analysis and design of multi-phased composite materials, considering both small strain and large strain formulations - Combines otherwise disparate theory, code and techniques in a step-by-step manner for efficient and reliable modeling of composites

Recent Advances in Smart Self-Healing Polymers and Composites examines the advances made in smart materials over the last few decades and their significant applications in aerospace, automotive, civil, mechanical, medical, and communication engineering fields. Based on a thorough review of the literature, the book identifies "smart self-healing polymers and composites as one of the most popular, challenging, and promising areas of research. Readers will find valuable information compiled by a large pool of researchers who not only studied the latest datasets, but also reached out to leading contributors for insights and forward-thinking analogies. - Examines the advances made in smart materials over the last few decades - Presents significant applications in aerospace, automotive, civil, mechanical, medical, and communication engineering fields - Compiled by a large pool of researchers who not only studied the latest datasets, but also reached out to leading contributors for insights and forward-thinking analogies

In twenty-nine chapters by leading authorities, Structure and Properties of Glassy Polymers provides readers with comprehensive coverage of basic and applied research on glass polymers as well as a wealth of information on current topics such as molecular modeling, characterization, polymer glasses in confined spaces, and conducting glass polymers. The characterization techniques presented include temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric loss spectroscopy, photochemical hole burning, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, and transient current generation.