Nanoparticle Based Polymer Composites

Nanoparticle-Based Polymer Composites discusses recent advancements on the synthesis, processing, characterization and applications of this new class of hybrid materials. Chapters cover recycling and lifecycle assessment, with contributions from leading researchers in industry, academics, the government and private research institutes from across the globe. As nanoparticle-based polymer composites are now replacing traditional polymer composites in a broad range of applications such as fuel cells, electronic and biomedical devices, this book presents the latest advancements in the field. Studies have shown that incorporating metal nanoparticles in polymer matrices can improve their mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties. The unique combination of these properties makes this new class of materials suitable for a broad range of different and advanced applications. Features recent advancements on the synthesis, processing and characterization of nanoparticle-based polymer composites Discusses recycling and lifecycle assessment Highly application-orientated, with contributions from leading international researchers in industry, academia, the government and private research institutes

Polymer composites are materials in which the matrix polymer isreinforced with organic/inorganic fillers of a definite size andshape, leading to enhanced performance of the resultant composite.These materials find a wide number of applications in such diversefields as geotextiles, building, electronics, medical, packaging,and automobiles. This first systematic reference on the topic emphasizes thecharacteristics and dimension of this reinforcement. The authors are leading researchers in the field from academia,government, industry, as well as private research institutionsacross the globe, and adopt a practical approach here, coveringsuch aspects as the preparation, characterization, properties andtheory of polymer composites. The book begins by discussing the state of the art, new challenges,and opportunities of various polymer composite systems. Interfacialcharacterization of the composites is discussed in detail, as isthe macro- and micromechanics of the composites. Structure-propertyrelationships in various composite systems are explained with thehelp of theoretical models, while processing techniques for variousmacro- to nanocomposite systems and the influence of processingparameters on the properties of the composite are reviewed indetail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic,viscoelastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, tribological,rheological, optical, electrical and barrier properties arehighlighted, as well as their myriad applications. Divided into three volumes: Vol. 1. Macro- and Microcomposites;Vol. 2. Nanocomposites; and Vol. 3. Biocomposites.

The use of polymer composites in various engineering applications has become state of the art. This multi-author volume provides a useful summary of updated knowledge on polymer composites in general, practically integrating experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modeling at different scales, i. e. , from nano- to macroscale. Detailed consideration is given to four major areas: structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites, characterization and modeling, processing and application of macrocomposites, and mechanical performance of macrocomposites. The idea to organize this volume arose from a very impressive workshop - The First International Workshop on Polymers and Composites at IVW Kaiserslautern: Invited Humboldt-Fellows and Distinguished Scientists, which was held on May 22-24,2003 at the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. The contributing authors were invited to incorporate updated knowledge and developments into their individual chapters within a year after the workshop, which finally led to these excellent contributions. The success of this workshop was mainly sponsored by the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through a Sofia Kovalevskaja Award Program, financed by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research within the "Investment in the Future Program" of the German Government. In 2001, the Humboldt Foundation launched this new award program in order to offer outstanding young researchers throughout the world an opportunity to establish their own work-groups and to develop innovative research concepts virtually in Germany. One of the editors, Z.

This book, a collection of 12 original contributions and 4 reviews, provides a selection of the most recent advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymeric nanocomposites comprising nanoparticles. The concept of nanoparticle-reinforced polymers came about three decades ago, following the outstanding discovery of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. One of the main ideas behind this approach is to improve the matrix mechanical performance. The nanoparticles exhibit higher specific surface area, surface energy, and density compared to microparticles and, hence, lower nanofiller concentrations are needed to attain properties comparable to, or even better than, those obtained by conventional microfiller loadings, which facilitates processing and minimizes the increase in composite weight. The addition of nanoparticles into different polymer matrices opens up an important research area in the field of composite materials. Moreover, many different types of inorganic nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, metal oxides, and ceramic and metallic nanoparticles, have been incorporated into polymers for their application in a wide range of fields, ranging from medicine to photovoltaics, packaging, and structural applications.

Volume B forms one volume of a Handbook about Polymer Nanocomposites. Volume B deals with Carbon nanotube based polymer composites. The preparation, architecture, characterisation, properties and application of polymer nanocomposites are discussed within some 25 chapters. Each chapter has been authored by experts in the respective field.

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 applicationsDiscusses processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcementDiscusses polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites.

Polymer Composites with Functional Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications reviews the latest research in the area of polymer nanocomposites and functionalized nanoparticles, providing an introduction for those new to the field, and supporting further research and development. The book helps researchers and practitioners better understand the key role of nanoparticle functionalization for improving the compatibility of inorganic metallic nanomaterials with organic polymers, and for the fabrication of nanostructured materials with special properties. A range of nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes are covered, along with descriptions of the methods of functionalization to support better compatibility with polymer matrices. The book also discusses the various applications of this technology, including uses in electronics and the medical and energy industries. Summarizes the latest research in functionalized nanoparticles for modification of polymer matrices, providing a valuable platform for further research Includes functionalization of a range of nanoparticles for incorporation into nanocomposites, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, gold and silver, silica and clay Provides detailed coverage of application areas, including energy, electronics, biomedical applications, and end-of-life considerations

This book focuses on polymer/silver nanocomposites as the main component in bioengineering systems. It describes in detail the synthesis and characterization (morphological, thermal, mechanical & dynamic mechanical properties), as well as the different applications of these composites. A special chapter is dedicated to the toxicity aspects of silver nanoparticles