This book describes the advantages and disadvantages and characterization techniques of clay-composites for environmental applications. It examines the structure and chemistry of different types of clay-composites and their synthesis, characteristics and applications in detail with a special focus on upscaling and limitations. Various topics covered in this book include overview of clay composites and their environmental applications, clay-biochar composites, clay-surfactants composites, organo-clay composites, clay hybrids and enriched clay composites. This book will be useful for beginners, researchers, material scientists and engineers who are interested in applied research of clay-based composites.

Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites is a complete summary of the existing knowledge on this topic, from the basic concepts of synthesis and design to their applications in timely topics such as high-performance composites, environment, and energy issues. This book covers many aspects of synthesis such as in- situ polymerization within the interlamellar spacing of the clays or by reaction of pristine or pre-modified clays with reactive polymers and prepolymers. Indeed, nanocomposites can be prepared at industrial scale by melt mixing. Regardless the synthesis method, much is said in this book about the importance of theclay pre-modification step, which is demonstrated to be effective, on many occasions, in obtaining exfoliated nanocomposites. Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites reports the background to numerous characterization methods including solid state NMR, neutron scattering, diffraction and vibrational techniques as well as surface analytical methods, namely XPS, inverse gas chromatography and nitrogen adsorption to probe surface composition, wetting and textural/structural properties. Although not described in dedicated chapters, numerous X-ray diffraction patterns of clay–polymer nanocomposites and reference materials are displayed to account for the effects of intercalation and exfoliations of layered aluminosilicates. Finally, multiscale molecular simulation protocols are presenting for predicting morphologies and properties of nanostructured polymer systems with industrial relevance. As far as applications are concerned, Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites examines structural composites such as clay–epoxy and clay–biopolymers, the use of clay–polymer nanocomposites as reactive nanocomposite fillers, catalytic clay-(conductive) polymers and similar nanocomposites for the uptake of hazardous compounds or for controlled drug release, antibacterial applications, energy storage, and more. - The most comprehensive coverage of the state of the art in clay–polymer nanocomposites, from synthesis and design to opportunities and applications - Covers the various methods of characterization of clay–polymer nanocomposites - including spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and X-ray diffraction - Includes a discussion of a range of application areas, including biomedicine, energy storage, biofouling resistance, and more

This Special Issue focuses on the current state-of-the-art of “Polymer Clay Nano-Composites” for biomedical, anticorrosion, antibacterial, and other applications. Clay–polymer composite nanomaterials represent an emerging area of research. Loading polymers with clay particles essentially enhances the composite strength features. Of particular interest are different nano-assembly methods, such as silane mono and multilayers, polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer assembly, and others. An important development was reached for tubular and fibrous clay nanoparticles, such as halloysite, sepiolite, and imogolite. Polymer clay nanoparticles can be prepared as sheets with 1-nm thickness and width of a few hundred nm (e.g., kaolin and montmorillonite). Fibrous clays significantly reinforce the nano-composites in the assembly with biopolymers and other green polymers, leading to functional hybrid bio nano-composites. The scope of this Special Issue comprehensively includes the synthesis and characterization of polymer clay nano-composites used for several applications, including nano-clay polymer composites and hybrid nano-assemblies.

This book highlights the most essential advances in nanoclay-based nanocomposites, especially natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Readers will find extensive information on nanoclay from preparation to applications, and the characterization techniques needed in order to evaluate the resulting properties of nanoclay-based natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Topics covered include the characterization of nano-sized clay, chemical modification, and processing techniques for nanocomposites from nanoclay. The book offers a valuable reference guide for academics and industrial practitioners alike.

There is a major lack of fundamental knowledge and understanding on the interaction between a filler and the polymer matrix. When it comes to nanoscale fillers, such as layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, graphene or cellulose nanofibers it is even more important to know accurate structure-property relationships as well as identifying the parameters influencing material behavior. The reason for the lack of knowledge on how to process nanocomposites and why there are so few applications is that several scientific fields are affected and a joint effort of those scientific communities involved is necessary – starting from the filler manufacturing or pre-processing over polymer chemistry to the polymer processing. In Polymer Nanoclay Composites, all involved scientific areas are viewed together for the first time, providing an all-embracing coverage of all stages of polymer clay nanocomposites processing from lab-scale to industrial scale – stages from the raw material over manufacturing of polymer clay nanocomposites to characterization and the final products. Readers will gain insight in the physical/chemical pre-processing of layered silicates and their incorporation into a polymer matrix using sophisticated technologies (such as advanced compounding) as well as in real-time quality control of the nanocomposite production and future prospects. The book also describes nanotoxicological and nanosafety aspects. - Covers the whole processing route with all aspects of the nanocomposites industry with particular focus on the processing of polymer clay nanocomposites - Includes quality control and nanosafety - Multidisciplinary approach from an industrial perspective

Characterization, design, specific properties and applications of thermoset composites are reported. These composites are presently in high demand because they can be shaped into many-sided segments and structures, and can have a great variety of densities and special physical and mechanical properties. The research reported includes: Energy absorption of fiber reinforced composites; automotive crashworthiness; lignocellulosic composites; hybrid bast fiber reinforced composites; nano-carbon/polymer composites; electromagnetic shielding; structural mechanical applications; electromagnetic field emission applications, conductive composites; epoxy composites for structural purposes; tribological performance of polymeric composites.

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

With their high specific strength and stiffness, composites have the potential to significantly lower the vehicle weight, which can have a dramatic effect on improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For the past decade or so, composites have been experiencing several transitions, including the transition from micro-scale reinforcement fillers to nano-scale reinforcement fillers, resulting in the nanocomposite. The effectiveness of the nano-sized fillers in composites can be explained by one of their unique geometric properties: the length-to-thickness aspect ratio. Therefore, nano-sized fillers have exceptionally higher reinforcing efficiency than the conventional, large fillers. The effectiveness of the nano-sized fillers in composites is also due to their large surface area and surface energy. This book consists of a collection of technical papers selected from the automotive composites and other relevant sessions that the editors have organized for the SAE World Congress over the past decade. It begins with a section on the perspectives of nanocomposites in the automotive industry, with of three excellent papers given by experts from the industry and academia. Following, it brings to the reader in-depth information on the three major nanocomposites categories: o Nano-fiber reinforced composites o Nano-platelet reinforced composites o Nano-particle reinforced composites

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