Synthetic Polymer Polymer Composites

This book provides another approach for the replacement of glass and other inorganic fibers as reinforcement for polymer composites. Although this approach does not have the advantages of biodegradable natural fibers, the synthetic polymer-polymer composites are more environmentally acceptable than glass fiber reinforced composites because of their organic nature. In addition to their environmental advantages, as compared to the polymer composites with mineral reinforcement with high loading rates, they have mechanical properties that allow manufacturing light-weight products and constructions; an importance in transportation vehicles and aircrafts.

The commercial use of polymers in plastics, elastomers, coatings and adhesives almost always involves the use of additives to enhance their properties. Thousands of years natural polymers have been blended with naturally occurring fillers, fibers and many other substances. In this century, the development of synthetic polymers has led to the development of high performance polymer composites. This volume is the only text describing origin and use of additives and their function in polymeric composites. A panel of outstanding specialists in the field of additives have placed this in a historic perspective. Apart from this, up-to-date information on all fillers, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, plasticizers, flame retardants, accelerators, etc. can be found in the volume.

The book focuses on clay-based micro and nanocomposites with different synthetic polymers and presents their synthesis, characterization and testing. The fields of application of these materials include food packaging, rheological control agents, wastewater treatment, biomedical applications and drug delivery. Keywords: Synthetic Polymer Composites, Nanoclay-based Polymer Nanocomposites, Hectorite, Nontronite-Starch, Reinforcement of Thermoplastics, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Sonochemical Synthesis, Drug Delivery, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, Flame Retardancy, Water Treatment.

Wood-polymer composites (WPC) are materials in which wood is impregnated with monomers that are then polymerised in the wood to tailor the material for special applications. The resulting properties of these materials, from lightness and enhanced mechanical properties to greater sustainability, has meant a growing number of applications in such areas as building, construction and automotive engineering. This important book reviews the manufacture of wood-polymer composites, how their properties can be assessed and improved and their range of uses. After an introductory chapter, the book reviews key aspects of manufacture, including raw materials, manufacturing technologies and interactions between wood and synthetic polymers. Building on this foundation, the following group of chapters discusses mechanical and other properties such as durability, creep behaviour and processing performance. The book concludes by looking at orientated wood-polymer composites, wood-polymer composite foams, at ways of assessing performance and at the range of current and future applications. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Wood-polymer composites is a valuable reference for all those using and studying these important materials. Provides a comprehensive survey of major new developments in wood-polymer composites Reviews the key aspects of manufacture, including raw materials and manufacturing technologies Discusses properties such as durability, creep behaviour and processing performance

The book focuses on clay-based micro and nanocomposites with different synthetic polymers and presents their synthesis, characterization and testing. The fields of application of these materials include food packaging, rheological control agents, wastewater treatment, biomedical applications and drug delivery. Keywords: Synthetic Polymer Composites, Nanoclay-based Polymer Nanocomposites, Hectorite, Nontronite-Starch, Reinforcement of Thermoplastics, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Sonochemical Synthesis, Drug Delivery, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, Flame Retardancy, Water Treatment.

The first systematic reference on the topic with an emphasis on the characteristics and dimension of the reinforcement. This first of three volumes, authored by leading researchers in the field from academia, government, industry, as well as private research institutions around the globe, focuses on macro and micro composites. Clearly divided into three sections, the first offers an introduction to polymer composites, discussing the state of the art, new challenges, and opportunities of various polymer composite systems, as well as preparation and manufacturing techniques. The second part looks at macro systems, with an emphasis on fiber reinforced polymer composites, textile composites, and polymer hybrid composites. Likewise, the final section deals with micro systems, including micro particle reinforced polymer composites, the synthesis, surface modification and characterization of micro particulate fillers and flakes as well as filled polymer micro composites, plus applications and the recovery, recycling and life cycle analysis of synthetic polymeric composites.

Mineral-filled polymer composites are widely used in industries across the globe, and applications are continuously increasing in sectors such as shipping, manufacturing and renewable energy. One of two volumes comprising the Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites Handbook, this volume provides an overview of the latest research and future directions of advanced mineral fiber-reinforced polymer composites, focused specifically on materials properties. It covers fundamentals, recent progress and new materials involved in mineral-filled polymer composites and includes a wide-ranging list of chapters authored by an international team of experts. This book: Examines the properties of a wide range of materials, from macro- to nano-sized Highlights resources for bio-based minerals production and compares bio-based minerals with commercial mineral fillers Covers novel synthesis methods Discusses effects of aging on properties Describes using halloysite and montmorillonite to improve composite properties and the potential of using mineral fillers to enhance the properties of biopolymer and synthetic polymers This book serves as an excellent reference guide for researchers, advanced students, academics and industry professionals interested in the synthesis of mineral-filled polymer and biopolymer composites, as well as those pursuing research in the broad fields of composite materials, polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid materials and nano-assembly.