Polymer Composites with Functional Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications reviews the latest research in the area of polymer nanocomposites and functionalized nanoparticles, providing an introduction for those new to the field, and supporting further research and development. The book helps researchers and practitioners better understand the key role of nanoparticle functionalization for improving the compatibility of inorganic metallic nanomaterials with organic polymers, and for the fabrication of nanostructured materials with special properties. A range of nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes are covered, along with descriptions of the methods of functionalization to support better compatibility with polymer matrices. The book also discusses the various applications of this technology, including uses in electronics and the medical and energy industries. - Summarizes the latest research in functionalized nanoparticles for modification of polymer matrices, providing a valuable platform for further research - Includes functionalization of a range of nanoparticles for incorporation into nanocomposites, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, gold and silver, silica and clay - Provides detailed coverage of application areas, including energy, electronics, biomedical applications, and end-of-life considerations

Advances in Functionalized Polymer Nanocomposites: From Synthesis to Applications presents a detailed review on the synthesis, fundamental chemistry, properties, and applications of these high-performance materials. The introductory chapter provides a brief overview of the various types of organic and inorganic nanofillers used for the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites. Emphasis is placed on their fundamental chemistry, processing methods, functionalization and/or surface modification strategies. The dispersion state and their specific interaction with polymer matrices is also discussed in detail, as well as characterization techniques for functionalized nanofillers and functionalized polymer nanocomposites, and their properties, and applications. The book will be a valuable reference source for scientists, engineers, and postgraduate students, working in the field of polymer science and technology, materials science and engineering, composites, and nanocomposites. - Covers fabrication, processing, characterization, and properties of various functionalized polymer nanocomposites - Explores usage in energy storage systems, biomedical fields, environmental remediation, catalysis, gas sensing, biosensing, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding - Provides information on lifecycle assessment and environmental and health impacts of these materials

Smart Polymer Nanocomposites: Design, Synthesis, Functionalization, Properties, and Applications brings together the latest research on synthetic methods and surface functionalization of polymers and polymer composites for advanced applications. Sections cover the basic principles of advanced polymer nanocomposites, including morphology, materials, characterization, and copolymerization, provide in-depth coverage of synthetic methods, facilitating the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles with the required properties, examine the morphologies of polymer nanocomposites and stimuli-responsive surfaces, and focus on cutting-edge approaches to tailoring polymeric nanocomposites according to the requirements. The book's final chapters focus on smart polymer nanocomposites for specific advanced applications, including high-temperature environments, bone tissue regeneration, biomedicine, wastewater treatment, dielectric and energy storage, chiral separation, food packaging, sensing, and drug delivery. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in polymer science, composite science, nanotechnology, and materials science, as well as those approaching the area from a range of other disciplines, including industry R&D. - Covers morphology, architectures, polymer materials, characterization, and polymerization methodologies for polymer nanocomposites - Provides novel techniques for the design, synthesis and surface tailoring of polymer nanoparticles to achieve required properties - Explores state-of-the-art applications in high temperature environments, biomedicine, environment, sensing, energy storage and food packaging

The addition of nanoparticles to polymer composites has led to a new generation of composite materials with enhanced and novel properties. Advances in polymer nanocomposites reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications.Part one reviews types of polymer nanocomposites according to fillers. Processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement are discussed, alongside calcium carbonate and metal-polymer nanocomposites. Part two focuses on types of polymer nanocomposites according to matrix polymer, with polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites discussed. Soft, gel and biodegradable polymer nanocomposites are also considered. Part three goes on to investigate key applications, including fuel cells, aerospace applications, optical applications, coatings and flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Advances in polymer nanocomposites is an essential guide for professionals and academics involved in all aspects of the design, development and application of polymer nanocomposites. - Reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications - Discusses processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement - Discusses polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites

Functionalized Graphene Nanocomposites and Their Derivatives: Synthesis, Processing and Applications explains how the functionalization technique is used to create graphene nanocomposites, also exploring its current uses in industrial applications. Graphene-based nanocomposites are one of the major advancements in polymer-based materials, thus the synthesis, nanoscale dimensions, high aspect ratio, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of graphene and its derivative have all been major areas of research in the last decade. This important reference covers these updates and is a critical book for those working in the fields of materials processing and characterization. - Explains how graphene is functionalized and used in the fabrication of nanocomposites for a range of applications - Explores why the properties of functionalized graphene make it such a useful, versatile material - Describes, in detail, the functionalization process for utilization in graphene

This book, a collection of 12 original contributions and 4 reviews, provides a selection of the most recent advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymeric nanocomposites comprising nanoparticles. The concept of nanoparticle-reinforced polymers came about three decades ago, following the outstanding discovery of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. One of the main ideas behind this approach is to improve the matrix mechanical performance. The nanoparticles exhibit higher specific surface area, surface energy, and density compared to microparticles and, hence, lower nanofiller concentrations are needed to attain properties comparable to, or even better than, those obtained by conventional microfiller loadings, which facilitates processing and minimizes the increase in composite weight. The addition of nanoparticles into different polymer matrices opens up an important research area in the field of composite materials. Moreover, many different types of inorganic nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, metal oxides, and ceramic and metallic nanoparticles, have been incorporated into polymers for their application in a wide range of fields, ranging from medicine to photovoltaics, packaging, and structural applications.

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

This book presents emerging economical and environmentally friendly polymer composites that are free of the side effects observed in traditional composites. It focuses on eco-friendly composite materials using granulated cork, a by-product of the cork industry; cellulose pulp from the recycling of paper residues; hemp fibers; and a range of other environmentally friendly materials procured from various sources. The book presents the manufacturing methods, properties and characterization techniques of these eco-friendly composites. The respective chapters address classical and recent aspects of eco-friendly polymer composites and their chemistry, along with practical applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, automotive and other sectors. Topics addressed include the fundamentals, processing, properties, practicality, drawbacks and advantages of eco-friendly polymer composites. Featuring contributions by experts in the field with a variety of backgrounds and specialties, the book will appeal to researchers and students in the fields of materials science and environmental science. Moreover, it fills the gap between research work in the laboratory and practical applications in related industries.

Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Graphene: Preparation, Properties and Applications provides detailed up-to-date information on the characterization, synthesis, processing, properties and application of these materials. Key topics that are covered in the book include: the methods of synthesis and preparation of graphene as well as different processes and methods of functionalization and modification of graphene for improving composite properties. The preparation techniques focus on which method is advantageous for getting improvements in properties along with their drawbacks. The structure and property relationships are also discussed in detail. The issues related to graphene dispersion in polymer matrices is also addressed as well as the use of graphene as reinforcement in thermoset resins. The different properties of the composites like mechanical, electrical, dielectric, thermal, rheological, morphology, spectroscopy, electronic, optical, and toxicity are reviewed from the geometrical and functional point of view. Applications cover electrical and electronic fields, flame and fire retardancy, structural, sensing and catalysis, membrane, in fuel cell and solar energy, hydrogen production, aerospace engineering, packaging, and biomedical/bioengineering fields. Up-to-date patents on graphene-polymer nanocomposites are also covered. Those working in graphene-based materials will benefit from the detailed knowledge presented in this book on graphene synthesis, composite preparation methods, and the related problems associated with them. The book will enable researchers to select the appropriate composite as per their respective field of application. - Presents novel approaches for the preparation of graphene, its modification and nanocomposites with enhanced properties for state-of-the-art applications - Special attention is given to how graphene is synthesized through different routes, their functionality, dispersion related matters and structural aspects controlling the composite properties for various applications - All synthesis methodology and functionalization procedure for graphene is discussed

Polymer-clay nanocomposites have flame-retardant, antimicrobial, anticorrosion and self-healing properties, they are biocompatible and environmentally benign. Multiple types of clay minerals may be exfoliated or individually dispersed and then used as natural nanoparticle additives of different size and shape for composite formation. Loading polymers with clays increases their strength, however, it is only recently that such composites were prepared with controlled nanoscale organization allowing for the enhancement of their mechanical properties and functionality. Edited by pioneers in the field, this book will explain the great potential of these materials and will bring together the combined physico-chemical, materials science and biological expertise to introduce the reader to the vibrant field of nanoclay materials. This book will provide an essential text for materials and polymers scientists in industry and academia.