Polymeric Foams Structure–Property–Performance: A Design Guide is a response to the design challenges faced by engineers in a growing market with evolving standards, new regulations, and an ever-increasing variety of application types for polymeric foam. Bernard Obi, an author with wide experience in testing, characterizing, and applying polymer foams, approaches this emerging complexity with a practical design methodology that focuses on understanding the relationship between structure–properties of polymeric foams and their performance attributes. The book not only introduces the fundamentals of polymer and foam science and engineering, but also goes more in-depth, covering foam processing, properties, and uses for a variety of applications. By connecting the diverse technologies of polymer science to those from foam science, and by linking both micro- and macrostructure–property relationships to key performance attributes, the book gives engineers the information required to solve pressing design problems involving the use of polymeric foams and to optimize foam performance. With a focus on applications in the automotive and transportation industries, as well as uses of foams in structural composites for lightweight applications, the author provides numerous case studies and design examples of real-life industrial problems from various industries and their solutions. Provides the science and engineering fundamentals relevant for solving polymer foam application problems Offers an exceptionally practical methodology to tackle the increasing complexity of real-world design challenges faced by engineers working with foams Discusses numerous case studies and design examples, with a focus on automotive and transportation Utilizes a practical design methodology focused on understanding the relationship between structure-properties of polymeric foams and their performance attributes

Handbook of Thermosetting Foams, Aerogels, and Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications presents the latest on the preparation, characterization, properties and applications of thermoset foams, aerogels and hydrogels. The book begins by introducing each of these concepts and their characteristics, current applications, potential for further development, and environmental impacts. This is followed by three sections, each focusing on foams, aerogels and hydrogels developed from a specific thermosetting polymer category, covering polyurethane, epoxy resins and formaldehyde. In each section, detailed coverage includes preparation, structure, characterization, properties, processing and applications based on material, along with key challenges in design, processing, implementation and solutions.This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students with an interest in thermoset lightweight materials across the disciplines of polymer science, chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science and engineering. The book will also be of interest to R&D professionals, engineers and scientists working with foams, hydrogels and aerogels for a range of applications and industries. - Provides methodical coverage of polyurethane, epoxy, and formaldehyde-based foams, aerogels, and hydrogels - Explores a range of high-value applications across automotive and aerospace, defense, biomedicine, and other areas - Considers challenges in design, processing, and implementation, and environmental aspects such as biodegradability and recyclability

The Effect of Radiation on Properties of Polymers examines the effects of radiation on plastics and elastomers. Polymers are required in products or parts for a range of cutting-edge applications that are exposed to radiation, in areas such as space, medicine, and radiation processing. This book focuses on the effects of radiation exposure within that environment, providing in-depth data coverage organized by category of polymer. Aspects such as radiation impact on mechanical and thermal properties, including glass transition and heat deflection temperatures, are described, demonstrating how changes in these properties affect the performance of plastic or elastomer parts. The effect of radiation on electrical properties is also included. Supporting introductory chapters explain the key concepts of radiation, including the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of plastics and elastomers. This is a vital resource for plastics engineers, product designers, and R&D professionals, working on products or parts for radioactive environments, as well as engineers and scientists in the medical, nuclear, and radiation processing industries. The book also supports researchers and scientists in plastics engineering, polymer processing and properties, polymer and coatings chemistry, materials science, and radiation. - Brings together highly valuable data on the effect of radiation on the properties of polymers and elastomers - Enables the reader to compare properties and to select the best possible materials for specific applications - Supported by detailed explanations and analysis, ensuring that the reader understands how to interpret and utilize the data

Recycling of Polyurethane Foams introduces the main degradation/depolymerization processes and pathways of polyurethane foam materials, focusing on industrial case studies and academic reviews from recent research and development projects. The book can aid practitioners in understanding the basis of polymer degradation and its relationship with industrial processes, which can be of substantial value to industrial complexes the world over. The main pathways of polymer recycling via different routes and industrial schemes are detailed, covering all current techniques, including regrinding, rebinding, adhesive pressing and compression moulding of recovered PU materials that are then compared with depolymerization approaches. The book examines life cycle assessment and cost analysis associated with polyurethane foams waste management, showing the potential of various techniques. This book will help academics and researchers identify and improve on current depolymerization processes, and it will help industry sustainability professionals choose the appropriate approach for their own waste management systems, thus minimizing the costs and environmental impact of their PU-based end products. - Offers a comprehensive review of all polyurethane foam recycling processes, including both chemical and mechanical approaches - Assesses the potential of each recycling process - Helps industry-based practitioners decide which approach to take to minimize the cost and environmental impact of their end product - Enables academics and researchers to identify and improve upon current processes of degradation and depolymerization

Applications of Polymers and Plastics in Medical Devices: Design, Manufacture, and Performance is a comprehensive guide to plastic materials for medical devices, covering fundamentals, materials, applications and regulatory requirements. Sections cover the role of plastics in medical devices, socioeconomic factors, the classification of medical devices. The performance of, medical grades and suppliers of polymer materials, which are categorized by performance level are also explored, along with manufacturing processes for device components, including extrusion, casting, injection molding and assembly processes. The book then covers applications in detail, examining each device and the role that polymers and plastics play in its construction and function. This is an essential resource for engineers, R&D, and other professionals working on plastics for medical devices and those in the plastics industry, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, packaging and biotechnology. In an academic setting, this book is of interest to researchers and advanced students in medical plastics, plastics engineering, polymer science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and materials science. - Offers systematic coverage of the major classes of polymers used in medical devices, including properties, characteristics, performance, medical grades and suppliers - Reviews regulatory requirements of the FDA and other global agencies, as well as considering quality control and socioeconomic factors - Includes the latest advances in plastics for medical devices, such as novel applications, use of bio-based polymers, and processing of reusable medical devices

Polymers for 3D Printing: Methods, Properties, and Characteristics provides a detailed guide to polymers for 3D printing, bridging the gap between research and practice, and enabling engineers, technicians and designers to utilise and implement this technology for their products or applications. - Presents the properties, attributes, and potential applications of the polymeric materials used in 3D printing - Analyses and compares the available methods for 3D printing, with an emphasis on the latest cutting-edge technologies - Enables the reader to select and implement the correct 3D printing technology, according to polymer properties or product requirements

Phthalonitrile Resins and Composites: Properties and Applications summarizes the latest research on these polymers, providing information that enables materials scientists and engineers to deploy these polymers in the real world. The book gives details on synthesis and preparation techniques for key phthalonitrile monomers. All curing techniques are discussed, along with blends and copolymers of phthalonitrile with other polymeric materials, such as epoxy, benzoxazine and bismaleimide. Fiber and particle based phthalonitrile micro and nanocomposites are also discussed, along with their potential applications in lightweight automobiles, ships, oil rigs, aircraft, wind blades, high temperature bearings, valves, battery and electronic casings, fire resistant textiles, and more. - Introduces the subject of phthalonitrile polymers and their composites - Provides precise information on the synthesis, preparation and curing techniques for phthalonitrile polymers - Discusses developments in key application areas that are intended to facilitate and stimulate real world applications of these materials

Service Life Prediction of Polymers and Coatings: Enhanced Methods focuses on the cutting-edge science behind how plastic and polymer materials are modified by the effects of weathering, offering the latest advances in service life prediction methods. The chapters have been developed by experts based on their contributions as part of the 7th Service Life Prediction Meeting. The volume begins with the premise that it is possible to produce and design life predictions, also looking at how these predictions can be used. Subsequent chapters present new developments in service life prediction, examining the most important considerations in SLP design, timescales, and other major issues. The book also considers the current state of the field in terms of both accomplishments and areas that require significant research going forward. This is a highly valuable reference for engineers, designers, technicians, scientists and R&D professionals who are looking to develop materials, components or products for outdoor applications across a range of industries. The book also supports academic researchers, scientists and advanced students with an interest in service life, the effects of weathering, material degradation, failure analysis, or sustainability across the fields of plastics engineering, polymer science and materials science. - Presents novel prediction techniques for plastics and polymers exposed to outdoor weathering - Provides a consensus roadmap on the scientific barriers related to a validated, predictive model for the response of polymer and plastics to outdoor exposure - Enables the reader to assess and compare different methods and approaches to service life prediction

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

Dielectric Polymer Materials for High-Density Energy Storage begins by introducing the fundamentals and basic theories on the dielectric behavior of material. It then discusses key issues on the design and preparation of dielectric polymer materials with strong energy storage properties, including their characterization, properties and manipulation. The latest methods, techniques and applications are explained in detail regarding this rapidly developing area. The book will support the work of academic researchers and graduate students, as well as engineers and materials scientists working in industrial research and development. In addition, it will be highly valuable to those directly involved in the fabrication of capacitors in industry, and to researchers across the areas of materials science, polymer science, materials chemistry, and nanomaterials. Focuses on how to design and prepare dielectric polymer materials with strong energy storage properties Includes new techniques for adjusting the properties of dielectric polymer materials Presents a thorough review of the state-of-the-art in the field of dielectric polymer materials, providing valuable insights into potential avenues of development