Polymer Composites Nanocomposites

This book presents emerging economical and environmentally friendly polymer composites that are free of the side effects observed in traditional composites. It focuses on eco-friendly composite materials using granulated cork, a by-product of the cork industry; cellulose pulp from the recycling of paper residues; hemp fibers; and a range of other environmentally friendly materials procured from various sources. The book presents the manufacturing methods, properties and characterization techniques of these eco-friendly composites. The respective chapters address classical and recent aspects of eco-friendly polymer composites and their chemistry, along with practical applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, automotive and other sectors. Topics addressed include the fundamentals, processing, properties, practicality, drawbacks and advantages of eco-friendly polymer composites. Featuring contributions by experts in the field with a variety of backgrounds and specialties, the book will appeal to researchers and students in the fields of materials science and environmental science. Moreover, it fills the gap between research work in the laboratory and practical applications in related industries.

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspects of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibit multi-functional properties. In this context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, while delineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered include embrittlement/toughness; wear/scratch behaviour; thermal stability and flame retardancy; barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; and optical and magnetic properties. Further, the book was written as a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on different topics. As such, the results, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering an invaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in the polymer composites field, they will also greatly benefit materials

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

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.

Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrices reinforced with nano-scale fillers. This new class of composite materials has shown improved mechanical and physical properties. The latter include enhanced optical, electrical and dielectric properties. This important book begins by examining the characteristics of the main types of polymer nanocomposites, then reviews their diverse applications. Part one focuses on polymer/nanoparticle composites, their synthesis, optical properties and electrical conductivity. Part two describes the electrical, dielectric and thermal behaviour of polymer/nanoplatelet composites, whilst polymer/nanotube composites are the subject of Part three. The processing and industrial applications of these nanocomposite materials are discussed in Part four, including uses in fuel cells, bioimaging and sensors as well as the manufacture and applications of electrospun polymer nanocomposite fibers, nanostructured transition metal oxides, clay nanofiller/epoxy nanocomposites, hybrid epoxy-silica-rubber nanocomposites and other rubber-based nanocomposites. Polymer nanocomposites: Physical properties and applications is a valuable reference tool for both the research community and industry professionals wanting to learn about the these materials and their applications in such areas as fuel cell, sensor and biomedical technology. Examines the characteristics of the main types of polymer nanocomposites and reviews their diverse applications Comprehensively assesses polymer/nanoparticle composites exploring experimental techniques and data associated with the conductivity and dielectric characterization A specific section on polymer/nanotube composites features electrical and dielectric behaviour of polymer/carbon nanotube composites

This book is part of a two-volume book series that exhaustively reviews the key recent research into nanoclay reinforced polymer composites. This second volume focuses on nanoclay based nanocomposites and bionanocomposites fabrication, characterization and applications. This includes classification of nanoclay, chemical modification and processing techniques of nanocomposites. The book also provides comprehensive information about nanoclay modification and functionalization; modification of nanoclay systems, geological and mineralogical research on clays suitability; bio-nanocomposites based on nanoclays; modelling of mechanical behaviour of halloysite based composites; mechanical and thermal properties of halloysite nanocomposites; the effect of Nanoclays on gas barrier properties of polymers and modified nanocomposites. This book is a valuable reference guide for academics and industrial practitioners alike.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Polymer Nanocomposites" that was published in Nanomaterials