Fullerene Polymers And Fullerene Polymer Composites

This in-depth experimental and theoretical account explores polymers and composites whose unusual properties (such as photophysical phenomena, electrical transport, phase transitions, and magnetic properties) stem from the incorporation of C60 in the material. Introductory chapters on the fundamental properties of fullerenes (C60, C70) and photophysical phenomena in fullerenes and polymers are also included.

Written by an outstanding team of experts in the interdisciplinary areas of research, this book is based on a new classification of the different types of fullerene polymers according to their chemical structures. It covers all aspects, from different classes, to their synthesis and applications in material science. Of great interest to polymer and synthetic chemists, but also for material scientists and industrial chemists.

This in-depth experimental and theoretical account explores polymers and composites whose unusual properties (such as photophysical phenomena, electrical transport, phase transitions, and magnetic properties) stem from the incorporation of C60 in the material. Introductory chapters on the fundamental properties of fullerenes (C60, C70) and photophysical phenomena in fullerenes and polymers are also included.

Polymer/Fullerene Nanocomposites: Design and Applications synopsizes state-of-the-art essentials and versatile inventions in polymers and fullerenes derived nanocomposites. As the design, fabrication and exploration of polymeric materials with fullerenes in advanced nanomaterials is progressing quickly because of their unique combination of properties, including optical, electronic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, photovoltaic, sensing, shape memory, capacitive, antimicrobial, and other applications, this book fills a void in literature compilation and assessment for a field still in its infancy. The introductory chapter of this manuscript provides a comprehensive update on the fundamentals and applications of fullerenes, with following chapters revealing the properties and essential aspects of polymeric nanocomposites. Reconnoiters state-of-the-art of fullerenes Focuses on fullerene nano-additives, developing covalent interactions, and physical dispersion with conjugated polymers and other polymeric matrices Emphasizes fullerene nanowhisker and nanoball nanofillers in nanocomposites Unfolds advanced applications of polymer/fullerene nanomaterials in stimuli-responsive systems, optoelectronic devices (photovoltaics, light emitting diodes and optical sensors), fuel cells, supercapacitors and biomedical fields

Until 1985, the chemical element Carbon was only known to exist in two forms -- diamond and graphite. This changed when Kroto and co-workers discovered an entirely new form of carbon, which became known as C60 or the fullerene molecule. (This discovery later led to their award of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.) The original discovery of C60 was in the soot produced from the laser ablation of graphite. Since then, other methods of production have been developed. It is also thought that isolated C60 molecules may be found in stars and interstellar media. It was soon discovered that C60 is not the only ball-like carbon molecule possible (although it is the most stable and the most dominant). The rugby-ball shaped C70 molecule is another possibility. In nanotechnology, the potential applications of carbon nanotubes (formed by combining hexagonal rings of carbon atoms only, rather than hexagons and pentagons as in C60) for very small electronic devices are currently the subject of much activity. This book presents the latest research in this dynamic field.

This book discusses the methods synthesizing various carbon materials, like graphite, carbon blacks, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. It also details different functionalization and modification processes used to improve the properties of these materials and composites. From a geometrical–structural point of view, it examines different properties of the composites, such as mechanical, electrical, dielectric, thermal, rheological, morphological, spectroscopic, electronic, optical, and toxic, and describes the effects of carbon types and their geometrical structure on the properties and applications of composites.

with contributions by numerous experts