Bulk Sized Nacre Inspired Composites By Sedimentation Processes

Nacre, mother-of-pearl, is an exception from the rule that strength and toughness are generally mutually exclusive in materials. It possesses a unique set of mechanical properties which has been attributed to nacre’s special brick-and-mortar-like microstructure. Consequently, mimicry of this microstructure for similar reinforcement in synthetic materials has been the goal of many researchers so far with excellent results in the area of thin films – but hardly any serviceable outcome in bulk dimensions. This thesis provides a way to fill this gap in processing of bulk-sized nacre-inspired composites. The approach is founded on sedimentation processes that can be rated as more facile, economically more efficient, and geometrically less limited than other methods. Eventually, it results in composites that mimic up to four structural design features of nacre, acting as examples for novel materials that could be applicable in fields ranging from ballistic protection to filtering technologies.

In the last few decades great strides have been made in chemistry at the nanoscale, where the atomic granularity of matter and the exact positions of individual atoms are key determinants of structure and dynamics. Less attention, however, has been paid to the mesoscale--it is at this scale, in the range extending from large molecules (10 nm) through viruses to eukaryotic cells (10 microns), where interesting ensemble effects and the functionality that is critical to macroscopic phenomenon begins to manifest itself and cannot be described by laws on the scale of atoms and molecules alone. To further explore how knowledge about mesoscale phenomena can impact chemical research and development activities and vice versa, the Chemical Sciences Roundtable of the National Research Council convened a workshop on mesoscale chemistry in November 2014. With a focus on the research on chemical phenomena at the mesoscale, participants examined the opportunities that utilizing those behaviors can have for developing new catalysts, adding new functionality to materials, and increasing our understanding of biological and interfacial systems. The workshop also highlighted some of the challenges for analysis and description of mesoscale structures. This report summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop.

The recent explosion of interdisciplinary research has fragmented the knowledge base surrounding renewable polymers. The Chemistry of Bio-based Polymers 2nd edition brings together, in one volume, the research and work of Professor Johannes Fink, focusing on biopolymers that can be synthesized from renewable polymers. After introducing general aspects of the field, the book’s subsequent chapters examine the chemistry of biodegradable polymeric types sorted by their chemical compounds, including the synthesis of low molecular compounds. Various categories of biopolymers are detailed including vinyl-based polymers, acid and lactone polymers, ester and amide polymers, carbohydrate-related polymers and others. Procedures for the preparation of biopolymers and biodegradable nanocomposites are arranged by chemical methods and in vitro biological methods, with discussion of the issue of “plastics from bacteria.” The factors influencing the degradation and biodegradation of polymers used in food packaging, exposed to various environments, are detailed at length. The book covers the medical applications of bio-based polymers, concentrating on controlled drug delivery, temporary prostheses, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Professor Fink also addresses renewable resources for fabricating biofuels and argues for localized biorefineries, as biomass feedstocks are more efficiently handled locally.

As sintering applications march toward a $30 billion global business, the models for sintering have progressed, but generally follow behind observation. Documentation of the steps needed to build to a quantitative and predictive theory are often missed. Sintering: From Empirical Observations to Scientific Principles partitions sintering applications and observations to show critical turning points required to establish modern sintering as a predictive science. This book, written by the most cited author in his field, is laced with people, organizations, critical steps, and important formulations in a mixture of history, personalities, and applications. Exploring how insights in seemingly unrelated fields sparked progress, it is also a teaching tool to show where there is success, where there are problems, and how to organize teams to leapfrog to new applications or plateaus of use. Randall German's Sintering: From Empirical Observations to Scientific Principles is a platform for directly addressing the critical control parameters in these new research and development efforts. Shows how the theories and understanding of sintering were developed and improved over time, and how different products were developed, ultimately leading to important knowledge and lessons for solving real sintering problems Covers all the necessary infrastructure of sintering theory and practice, such as atomic theory, surface energy, microstructure, and measurement and observation tools Introduces the history and development of such early sintered products as porcelain, tungsten lamp filaments, bronze bearings, steel automotive components, platinum crucibles and more

Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymer Composites: Processing, Properties and Applications begins by discussing the current state-of-the-art, new challenges and opportunities for various biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composite systems. Interfacial characterization of composites and the structure-property relationships in various composite systems are explained in detail via a theoretical model. Processing techniques for various macro and nanocomposite systems and the influence of processing parameters on properties of the composite are also reviewed in detail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic, visco-elastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, rheological, optical, and electrical properties are highlighted, as are a broad range of applications. The book is a useful reference resource for both researchers and engineers working in composites materials science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and is also useful for students attending chemistry, physics, and materials science and engineering courses. Presents recent outcomes and highlights the going importance of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composites and their impact on the environment Analyzes all the main processing techniques, characterization and applications of biodegradable composites Written by leading international experts working in the field of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composites Covers a broad range of application fields, including medical and pharmaceutical, agricultural, packaging and transport

A comprehensive account of the basic theory of the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous media, this volume assembles, interprets, and interrelates contributions to the field of composite materials from theoretical research, laboratory developments, and product applications. The text focuses on the continuum mechanics aspects of behavior; specifically, it invokes idealized geometric models of the heterogeneous system to obtain theoretical predictions of macroscopic properties in terms of the properties of individual constituent materials. The wide range of subjects encompasses macroscopic stiffness properties, failure characterization, and wave propagation. Much of the book presumes a familiarity with the theory of linear elasticity; but it also takes into consideration behavior characterized by viscoelasticity and inviscid plasticity theories and problems involving nonlinear kinematics. Because of the close relationship between mechanical and thermal effects, the text also examines macroscopic, thermal properties of heterogeneous media. Although the primary emphasis centers on the development of theory, this volume also pays critical attention to the practical assessment of results and applications. Comparisons between different approaches and with reliable experimental data appear at main junctures. Suitable as a graduate-level text, Mechanics of Composite Materials is also a valuable reference for professionals.

Despite the vital importance of the emerging area of biotechnology and its role in defense planning and policymaking, no definitive book has been written on the topic for the defense policymaker, the military student, and the private-sector bioscientist interested in the "emerging opportunities market" of national security. This edited volume is intended to help close this gap and provide the necessary backdrop for thinking strategically about biology in defense planning and policymaking. This volume is about applications of the biological sciences, here called "biologically inspired innovations," to the military. Rather than treating biology as a series of threats to be dealt with, such innovations generally approach the biological sciences as a set of opportunities for the military to gain strategic advantage over adversaries. These opportunities range from looking at everything from genes to brains, from enhancing human performance to creating renewable energy, from sensing the environment around us to harnessing its power.