The improvement of strength and durability in polymers has implications relevant to industrial, medical, and household applications. Enhanced by the improved knowledge of the interactions between complex hierarchical structures and functional requirements, Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology focuses on new polyme

The study of polymers by electron microscopy (EM) needs special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. General characteristics of the different techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy, are given in this hands-on book. The application of these techniques to the study of morphology and properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented.

The improvement of strength and durability in polymers has implications relevant to industrial, medical, and household applications. Enhanced by the improved knowledge of the interactions between complex hierarchical structures and functional requirements, Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology focuses on new polymer materials that possess a combination of improved mechanical and other physical properties. This book specifies techniques used in structural and morphological characterization, discusses crazing and molecular variables of fracture behavior, and clarifies various modes of deformation mechanisms and orientation processes for semicrystalline polymers, block copolymers, and composites. The volume examines microindentation hardness studies and mechanisms of toughness enhancement for particle modified, amorphous and semicrystalline polymers and blends using model analysis. Experts in the field present innovations that illustrate new aspects of manufacturing, structure development, and properties of practical relevance in nanoparticle-filled thermoplastic polymers and the applications of carbon nanotube and nanofiber reinforced polymer systems. Other topics discussed in the book include alternative methods of polymer modification based on micro- and nanolayered polymers and hot compaction of oriented fibers and tapes. This book reflects the continuing research of mechanisms contributing to the structure-function relationship of nanostructured polymers and nanocomposites. Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology presents effective ways to combine improved mechanical and physical properties in polymers and form new, performance-enhanced composite materials.

This book gives an introduction to nanostructured materials and guides the reader through their different engineering applications. It addresses the special phenomena and potentials involved in the applications without going into too much scientific detail of the physics and chemistry involved, which makes the reading interesting for beginners in the field. Materials for different applications in engineering are described, such as those used in opto-electronics, energy, tribology, bio-applications, catalysis, reinforcement and many more. In each application chapter, the reader will learn about the phenomena involved in the application, the nanostructured materials used in the field and their processing, besides finding some practical examples of their use in laboratories and in industry.The clear language and the application-oriented perspective of the book makes it suitable for both engineers and students who want to learn about applications of nanostructured materials in Engineering.

The first systematic reference on the topic with an emphasis on thecharacteristics and dimension of the reinforcement. This first of three volumes, authored by leading researchers inthe field from academia, government, industry, as well as privateresearch institutions around the globe, focuses on macro and microcomposites. Clearly divided into three sections, the first offers anintroduction to polymer composites, discussing the state of theart, new challenges, and opportunities of various polymer compositesystems, as well as preparation and manufacturing techniques. Thesecond part looks at macro systems, with an emphasis on fiberreinforced polymer composites, textile composites, and polymerhybrid composites. Likewise, the final section deals with microsystems, including micro particle reinforced polymer composites,the synthesis, surface modification and characterization of microparticulate fillers and flakes as well as filled polymer microcomposites, plus applications and the recovery, recycling and lifecycle analysis of synthetic polymeric composites.

This book examines the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities, and applications of IPNs. With contributions from experts across the globe, this survey is an outstanding resource reference for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design for advanced technologies. • Comprehensively summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of micro and nanostructured Interpenetrating Polymer Networks • Discusses various aspects of synthesis, characterization, structure, morphology, modelling, properties, and applications of IPNs • Describes how nano-structured IPNs correlate their multiscale structure to their properties and morphologies • Serves as a one-stop reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of IPNs and nano-structured polymer systems • Includes chapters from leading researchers in the IPN field from industry, academy, government and private research institutions

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.

Due to their complexity and diversity, understanding the structure of textile fibres is of key importance. This authoritative two-volume collection provides a comprehensive review of the structure of an extensive range of textile fibres.Volume 1 begins with an introductory set of chapters on fibre structure and methods to characterise fibres. The second part of the book covers the structure of manufactured polymer fibres such as polyester, polyamides, polyolefin, elastomeric and aramid fibres as well as high-modulus, high-tenacity polymer fibres. Chapters discuss fibre formation during processing and how this affects fibre structure and mechanical properties. A companion volume reviews natural, regenerated, inorganic and specialist fibres.Edited by leading authorities on the subject and with a team of international authors, the two volumes of the Handbook of textile fibre structure is an essential reference for textile technologists, fibre scientists, textile engineers and those in academia. - The first title of a authoritative two-volume collection that provides a comprehensive review of the structure of a range of textile fibres - Provides an overview of the development of fibre structure and methods to characterise fibres - Examines the structure of both traditional and new fibres and natural and manufactured fibres

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites: From Synthesis to Applications offers extensive coverage of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and their nanocomposites, including their synthesis, characterization, interfacial interactions and advanced applications. Sections introduce essentials, information on their preparation and discussions on polymeric materials, including elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, polymer blends and IPNs. Further sections cover the latest analysis techniques, examine the properties of POSS-polymer nanocomposites, and discuss key application areas, such as biological, energy, defense, and space. Finally, issues surrounding industry implementation and lifecycle are explored. This is a valuable reference for researchers, scientists and advanced students in the areas of polymer composites and nanocomposites, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer science, and materials science and engineering. In an industrial setting, this book will be of great interest to scientists, R&D professionals, and engineers across industries and disciplines. - Covers all aspects of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and their nanocomposites, including synthesis and characterization techniques, properties, analysis, applications and trends - Targets POSS nanocomposites, describing synthesis, characterization and the selection of POSS filler types according to polymeric material - Explains the preparation and utilization of POSS polymer nanocomposites for cutting-edge applications, including biological, energy, and defense field applications

Over 30% of commercial polymers are blends or alloys or one kind or another. Nanostructured blends offer the scientist or plastics engineer a new range of possibilities with characteristics including thermodynamic stablility; the potential to improve material transparency, creep and solvent resistance; the potential to simultaneously increase tensile strength and ductility; superior rheological properties; and relatively low cost. Nanostructured Polymer Blends opens up immense structural possibilities via chemical and mechanical modifications that generate novel properties and functions and high-performance characteristics at a low cost. The emerging applications of these new materials cover a wide range of industry sectors, encompassing the coatings and adhesives industry, electronics, energy (photovoltaics), aerospace and medical devices (where polymer blends provide innovations in biocompatible materials). This book explains the science of nanostructure formation and the nature of interphase formations, demystifies the design of nanostructured blends to achieve specific properties, and introduces the applications for this important new class of nanomaterial. All the key topics related to recent advances in blends are covered: IPNs, phase morphologies, composites and nanocomposites, nanostructure formation, the chemistry and structure of additives, etc. - Introduces the science and technology of nanostructured polymer blends – and the procedures involved in melt blending and chemical blending to produce new materials with specific performance characteristics - Unlocks the potential of nanostructured polymer blends for applications across sectors, including electronics, energy/photovoltaics, aerospace/automotive, and medical devices (biocompatible polymers) - Explains the performance benefits in areas including rheological properties, thermodynamic stablility, material transparency, solvent resistance, etc.