Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites

Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites: Science Technology and Applications presents a detailed review of new and emerging research outcomes from fundamental concepts that are relevant to science, technology and advanced applications. Sections cover key drivers such as the rising demand for lightweight and high strength automotive parts, the need for sustainable packaging materials and conservation of flavor in the food, drinks and beverages industries, and defense initiatives such as ballistic protection, fire retardation and electromagnetic shielding. With contributions from international authors working at the cutting-edge of research, this book will be an essential reference resource for materials scientists, chemists, manufacturers and polymer engineers. Through recent advances in nanotechnology, researchers can now manipulate atoms to create materials and products that are changing the way we live our lives. These materials have enhanced properties, such as tensile strength, impact and scratch resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, thermal stability and fire resistance. Combines processing, properties and advanced commercial applications Emphasizes synthesis and fabrication techniques Focuses on environmental and health aspects Covers future challenges, opportunities, recycling and sustainability Contains contributions from high-profile, cutting-edge international researchers

The field of polymer nanocomposites has become essential for engineering and military industries over the last few decades as it applies to computing, sensors, biomedical microelectronics, hard coating, and many other domains. Due to their outstanding mechanical and thermal features, polymer nanocomposite materials have recently been developed and now have a wide range of applications. Polymer Nanocomposites for Advanced Engineering and Military Applications provides emerging research on recent advances in the fabrication methods, properties, and applications of various nano-fillers including surface-modification methods and chemical functionalization. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as barrier properties, biomedical microelectronics, and matrix processing, this book is ideally designed for engineers, industrialists, chemists, government officials, military professionals, practitioners, academicians, researchers, and students.

Advanced Fluoropolymer Nanocomposites: Fabrication, Processing, Characterization and Applications presents a comprehensive review on the fundamental chemistry, physics, biology and engineering of advanced fluoropolymer nanocomposites. Detailed attention is given to the synthesis, processing characterization, properties and applications of fluoropolymer nanocomposites. Morphological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, tribological and viscoelastic properties are also discussed in detail, along with the influence of synthesis methods on the formation of fluoropolymer nanocomposites, including the effect of nanofiller size and shape and the dispersion state of various nanofillers in different fluoropolymer matrices. This book will be a useful reference resource for scientists, engineers and postgraduate students working in the field of polymer science and technology, materials science and engineering, composites and nanocomposites. This resource will help them find solutions to both fundamental and applied problems associated with their research. It will also assist researchers in becoming more acquainted with the field to address key questions within a short time.

This Special Issue, entitled "Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites", collects high-level original and review papers, focused on scientific discussions and practical applications in the field of functional polymer nanocomposites, including (a) optoelectronic materials (papers 1-6), (b) biomedical materials (papers 7-12), and (c) other functional polymer nanocomposites (papers 13-18).

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

This Special Issue reprint, "Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites II", addresses high-quality original and review papers, focused on the scientific discussion and practical application in the field of functional polymer nanocomposites, including: (a) optoelectronic materials (papers 1-9); (b) biomedical materials (papers 10-14); and (c) other functional polymer nanocomposites (papers 15-23). We hope that this Special Issue reprint can promote academic research exchanges and identify and respond to tremendous challenges of research in this burgeoning field.

Smart materials are the way of the future in a variety of fields, from biomedical engineering and chemistry to nanoscience, nanotechnology, and robotics. Featuring an interdisciplinary approach to smart materials and structures, this second edition of Artificial Muscles: Applications of Advanced Polymeric Nanocomposites has been fully updated to thoroughly review the latest knowledge of ionic polymeric conductor nanocomposites (IPCNCs), including ionic polymeric metal nanocomposites (IPMNCs) as biomimetic distributed nanosensors, nanoactuators, nanotransducers, nanorobots, artificial muscles, and electrically controllable intelligent polymeric network structures. Authored by one of the founding fathers of the field, the book introduces fabrication and manufacturing methods of several electrically and chemically active ionic polymeric sensors, actuators, and artificial muscles, as well as a new class of electrically active polymeric nanocomposites and artificial muscles. It also describes a few apparatuses for modeling and testing various artificial muscles to show the viability of chemoactive and electroactive muscles. It presents the theories, modeling, and numerical simulations of ionic polymeric artificial muscles’ electrodynamics and chemodynamics and features current industrial and medical applications of IPMNCs. By covering the fabrication techniques of and novel developments in advanced polymeric nanocomposites, this second edition continues to provides an accessible yet solid foundation to the subject while stimulating further research. Key features: Fully up to date with the latest cutting-edge discoveries in the field Authored by a world expert in the subject area Explores the exciting and growing topic of smart materials in medicine Mohsen Shahinpoor is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine and a leading expert in artificial muscles.

Over recent years a considerable amount of effort has been devoted, both in industry and academia, towards the incorporation of various macro, micro and nano sized fillers into polymers. There is also much interest in the evaluation of various polymer properties with respect to a wide set of applications. The advances in nanotechnology together with the development in material sciences has improved the shortcomings of these materials over the decade. This book covers the latest advances in the field of polymer nanocomposites and polymer composites for varied applications. The major topics discussed in the book include: • Nanostructured materials for energy applications • Nanostructured polymercomposites • Bio-polymers • Nanostructured polymers for biomedical applicationsThe book contains extended and updated research papers that were initially selected for the ICAMP-2017 conference which focused on advances in polymer materials.The book is ideal for researchers and practitioners in polymer science and materials science as well as for graduate students in polymer chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.