Polymer Composite Materials From Macro Micro To Nanoscale

Selected, peer reviewed papers from the Conference on Multiphase Polymers and Polymer Composites Systems: Macro to Nano Scales, June 7-10, 2011, Paris, France

The contents of this book pay particular attention to the different length-scales (macro, micro and nano) as related to obtaining a deeper understanding of the structure-property relationships of polymeric nanocomposite materials. They cover major findings and observations related to the morphological, interfacial, processing response, physical and thermophysical properties of multiphase polymers and polymer composite systems: from macro to nano length-scales. The presentation is organised around three areas: Multiscale modelling and simulation - Design and advanced characterisation - Processing, application and recycling.

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.

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

Quantum Dots and Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Chemistry, and Applications reviews the properties, fabrication, and current and potential users of quantum dots-based polymer composites. It offers a much-needed update on the essential components of polymer nanocomposites by exploring the synthesis, processing, classification, characterisation, and applications of quantum dots. Topics include modern fabrication technologies, processing, nanostructure formation, and the mechanisms of reinforcement. This book also covers biocompatibility, suitability, and toxic effects of quantum dots-based polymer nanocomposites. Applications such as biomedical, pollution mitigation, sensors, and catalysis are explored, as are opportunities and future research directions. This edited book acts as a one-stop reference book for researchers, academics, advanced students, and scientists studying epoxy blends. It will be of interest to materials scientists, polymer technologists, nanotechnologists, chemical engineers, physicists (optics, plasmonics), chemists, and mechanical engineers, among others.

Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymers: From Nanoscale to Macroscale addresses the advances in nanotechnology that have led to the development of a new class of composite materials known as CNT-reinforced polymers. The low density and high aspect ratio, together with their exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, render carbon nanotubes as a good reinforcing agent for composites. In addition, these simulation and modeling techniques play a significant role in characterizing their properties and understanding their mechanical behavior, and are thus discussed and demonstrated in this comprehensive book that presents the state-of-the-art research in the field of modeling, characterization and processing. The book separates the theoretical studies on the mechanical properties of CNTs and their composites into atomistic modeling and continuum mechanics-based approaches, including both analytical and numerical ones, along with multi-scale modeling techniques. Different efforts have been done in this field to address the mechanical behavior of isolated CNTs and their composites by numerous researchers, signaling that this area of study is ongoing. Explains modeling approaches to carbon nanotubes, together with their application, strengths and limitations Outlines the properties of different carbon nanotube-based composites, exploring how they are used in the mechanical and structural components Analyzes the behavior of carbon nanotube-based composites in different conditions

Since the publication of the successful first edition of thebook in 2010, the field has matured and a large number ofadvancements have been made to the science of polymer nanotubenanocomposites (PNT) in terms of synthesis, filler surfacemodification, as well as properties. Moreover, a number ofcommercial applications have been realized. The aim of this secondvolume of the book is, thus, to update the information presented inthe first volume as well as to incorporate the recent research andindustrial developments. This edited volume brings together contributions from a varietyof senior scientists in the field of polymer nanotube compositestechnology to shed light on the recent advances in thesecommercially important areas of polymer technology. The bookprovides the following features: Reviews the various synthesis techniques, properties andapplications of the polymer nanocomposite systems Describes the functionalization strategies for single wallednanotubes in order to achieve their nanoscale dispersion in epoxymatrices Provides insights into the multiscale modeling of theproperties of PNT Provides perspectives on the electron microscopycharacterization of PNT Presents an overview of the different methodologies to achievemicro-patterning of PNT Describes the recent progress on hybridization modifications ofCNTs with carbon nanomaterials and their further applications inpolymer nanocomposites Provides details on the foams generates with PNT Provides information on synthesis and properties ofpolycarbonate nanocomposite. Describes the advanced microscopy techniques for understandingof the polymer/nanotube composite interfaces andproperties.