Advanced Polymer Structures

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this new book considers state-of-the-art developments and research in polymer science, such as advanced polymers, composites and nanocomposites, and the role of polymers in the progress of green chemistry and medicine. Polymers are studied in fields as diverse as polymer science (polymer chemistry and polymer physics), biophysics, biochemistry, and more generally in materials science and engineering. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and nanocomposites (PMNCs) are widely used in hightech material structures such as in the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries. Their impact on the physical and mechanical performance is mainly due to their reinforcing agents, fibers (glass, carbon, aramid) or nanofibers (MMT, CNTs, graphene, etc) but also due to a perfect mastery of the matrix/reinforcement interface.

Following the success of ACIC 2002, this is the 2nd International Conference focusing on the application and further exploitation of advanced composites in construction held at the University of Surrey in April 2004. With over 100 delegates the conference brought together practicing engineers, asset managers, researchers and representatives of regulatory bodies to promote the active exchange of scientific and technical information on the rapidly changing scene of advanced composites in construction. The aim of the conference was to encourage the presentation of new concepts, techniques and case studies, which will lead to greater exploitation of advanced polymer composites and FRP materials for the civil engineering infrastructure, rehabilitation and renewal.

Featuring contributions from experts at some of the world's leading academic and industrial institutions, Advanced Polymeric Materials: Structure Property Relationships brings into book form a wealth of information previously available primarily only within computer programs. In a welcome narrative treatment, it provides comprehensive coverage of p

Military use of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC)â€"consisting of a resin matrix reinforced by high-performance carbon or organic fibersâ€"while extensive, accounts for less that 10 percent of the domestic market. Nevertheless, advanced composites are expected to play an even greater role in future military systems, and DOD will continue to require access to reliable sources of affordable, high-performance fibers including commercial materials and manufacturing processes. As a result of these forecasts, DOD requested the NRC to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with advanced PMCs with emphasis on high-performance fibers. This report provides an assessment of fiber technology and industries, a discussion of R&D opportunities for DOD, and recommendations about accelerating technology transition, reducing costs, and improving understanding of design methodology and promising technologies.

Over the past three decades advanced polymer composites have emerged as an attractive construction material for new structures and the strengthening/rehabilitation of existing buildings and bridges. The techniques associated with the technology, analysis and design of polymer composites in construction are continually being researched and the progress made with this exciting material will continue at an ever- increasing rate to meet the demands of the construction industry. This volume of proceedings is from the Second ACIC 2004 International Conference, which focused on the application and further exploitation of advanced composites in construction. The conference allowed practising engineers, asset managers, researchers and representative of regulatory bodies to promote the active exchange of scientific and technical information on the rapidly changing scene of advanced composites in construction. This volume focuses on the presentation of new concepts, techniques and case studies, which will lead to greater exploitation of advanced polymer composites and FRP materials for civil engineering infrastructure, rehabilitation and renewal. Presents new concepts, techniques and case studies

Fibre reinforced polymer-based composites are set to meet the demand for improvements in construction processes. FRP materials are suitable for use in piping, walls and columns. This volume explores their structural application in construction.

In recent years, the fabrication technologies for the production of advanced polymer composites have been revolutionised by sophisticated manufacturing techniques. These methods have enabled polymer composite materials to produce good quality laminates with minimal voids and accurate fibre alignment. This book familiarises and provides a background to the understanding and use of advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure; numerous examples have been provided to illustrate the use and versatility of the material. Furthermore, the book discusses the current fabrication techniques, design methods and formulae for the design of structural composite systems. In addition it discusses the fundamentals of geosynthetics used in geotechnical engineering. The book introduces the fibres and matrices that are used to manufacture composites, their mechanical and in-service properties and their long term loading characteristics; all these properties are specifically associated with the construction industry. The chapters then discuss the design aspects for 'all composite' units, as well as systems used for the renewal of civil infrastructure. Finally, the book demonstrated the unique possibilities of combining composites with conventional materials to form units in which the various materials making up the unit are loaded in the mode that specifically suits their mechanical characteristics.

This informative volume discusses recent advancements in the research and development in synthesis, characterization, processing, morphology, structure, and properties of advanced polymeric materials. With contributions from leading international researchers and professors in academic, government and industrial institutions, Advanced Polymeric Materials for Sustainability and Innovations has a special focus on eco-friendly polymers, polymer composites, nanocomposites, and blends and materials for traditional and renewable energy. In this book the relationship between processing-morphology-property applications of polymeric materials is well established. Recent advances in the synthesis of new functional monomers has shown strong potential in generating better property polymers from renewable resources. Fundamental advances in the field of nanocomposite blends and nanostructured polymeric materials in automotive, civil, biomedical and packaging/coating applications are the highlights of this book.