Composite materials are made from at least two different materials with significantly different properties and behaviour. When such materials are combined, the produced composite has completely different characteristics compared to the individual components. In ancient Egypt, the earliest composite materials where created to form bricks out of mud and straw for building constructions. Polymeric composites are steadily growing and are one of the most promising material classes, which have the opportunity to deal with new challenges approaching from the market. These materials are often stronger, lighter or less expensive when compared to traditional materials, but the demands and needs are getting more diverse and complex. Modern composites comprise the incorporation of filler in micro and nanoscale, as well as the construction of specific structure especially the imitation of nature - to create new or improved material properties. This book gives an overview of the scientific investigations carried out in recent years. The topics discussed are forging an arc over different kinds of composite materials such as composites based on commonly available polymeric raw materials, but also composites based on biological raw materials as well as the achievable material properties comprising mechanical, electrical, structural and tribological properties. Additionally, the book is also shedding light on the construction and structuring of such composites using nature as an inspiring example.

Recent Developments in Polymer Macro, Micro and Nano Blends: Preparation and Characterisation discusses the various types of techniques that are currently used for the characterization of polymer-based macro, micro, and nano blends. It summarizes recent technical research accomplishments, emphasizing a broad range of characterization methods. In addition, the book discusses preparation methods and applications for various types of polymer-based macro, micro, and nano blends. Chapters include thermoplastic-based polymer & nano blends, applications of rubber based and thermoplastic blends, micro/nanostructures polymer blends containing block copolymers, advances in polymer-inorganic hybrids as membrane materials, synthesis of polymer/inorganic hybrids through heterophase polymerizations, nanoporous polymer foams from nanostructured polymer blends, and natural polymeric biodegradable nano blends for protein delivery. - Describes the techniques pertaining to a kind (or small number) of blends, showing specific examples of their applications - Covers micro, macro, and nano polymer blends - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field

Polymers are substances containing a large number of structural units joined by the same type of linkage. These substances often form into a chain-like structure. Starch, cellulose, and rubber all possess polymeric properties. Today, the polymer industry has grown to be larger than the aluminium, copper and steel industries combined. Polymers already have a range of applications that far exceeds that of any other class of material available to man. Current applications extend from adhesives, coatings, foams, and packaging materials to textile and industrial fibres, elastomers, and structural plastics. Polymers are also used for most composites, electronic devices, biomedical devices, optical devices, and precursors for many newly developed high-tech ceramics. This book presents leading-edge research in this rapidly-changing and evolving field.

Manufacturing of Nanocomposites with Engineering Plastics collates recent research findings on the manufacturing, properties, and applications of nanocomposites with engineering plastics in one comprehensive volume. The book specifically examines topics of engineering plastics, rheology, thermo-mechanical properties, wear, flame retardancy, modeling, filler surface modification, and more. It represents a ready reference for managers and scholars working in the areas of polymer and nanocomposite materials science, both in industry and academia, and provides introductory information for people new to the field. - Provides a comprehensive review of the most recent research findings - A single one-stop ready reference that assimilates knowledge on the development of nanocomposites with engineering plastics - Contributions from leading experts in the field - Provides examples of applications that will help with material selection - Chapters are designed to provide not only introductory information, but also to lead the reader to more advanced characterization tools

Polymers are used in everything from nylon stockings to commercial aircraft to artificial heart valves, and they have a key role in addressing international competitiveness and other national issues. Polymer Science and Engineering explores the universe of polymers, describing their properties and wide-ranging potential, and presents the state of the science, with a hard look at downward trends in research support. Leading experts offer findings, recommendations, and research directions. Lively vignettes provide snapshots of polymers in everyday applications. The volume includes an overview of the use of polymers in such fields as medicine and biotechnology, information and communication, housing and construction, energy and transportation, national defense, and environmental protection. The committee looks at the various classes of polymersâ€"plastics, fibers, composites, and other materials, as well as polymers used as membranes and coatingsâ€"and how their composition and specific methods of processing result in unparalleled usefulness. The reader can also learn the science behind the technology, including efforts to model polymer synthesis after nature's methods, and breakthroughs in characterizing polymer properties needed for twenty-first-century applications. This informative volume will be important to chemists, engineers, materials scientists, researchers, industrialists, and policymakers interested in the role of polymers, as well as to science and engineering educators and students.

In recent times, polymer nanocomposites have attracted a great deal of scientific interest due to their unique advantages over conventional plastic materials, such as superior strength, modulus, thermal stability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and gas barrier. They are finding real and fast-growing applications in wide-ranging fields such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and sports. This book focuses on the development of polymer nanocomposites as an advanced material for textile applications, such as fibers, coatings, and nanofibers. It compiles and details cutting-edge research in the science and nanotechnology of textiles with special reference to polymer nanocomposites in the form of invited chapters from scientists and subject experts from various institutes from all over the world. They include authors who are actively involved in the research and development of polymer nanocomposites with a wide range of functions—including antimicrobial, flame-retardant, gas barrier, shape memory, sensor, and energy-scavenging—as well as medical applications, such as tissue engineering and wound dressings, to create a new range of smart and intelligent textiles. Edited by Mangala Joshi, a prominent nanotechnology researcher at the premier Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, this book will appeal to anyone involved in nanotechnology, nanocomposites, advanced materials, polymers, fibers and textiles, and technical textiles.

Smart Polymer Nanocomposites: Biomedical and Environmental Applications presents the latest information on smart polymers and their promising application in various fields, including their role in delivery systems for drugs, tissue engineering scaffolds, cell culture sports, bioseparation, and sensors or actuator systems. - Features detailed information on the preparation, characterization and applications of smart functional polymer composites - Covers a broad range of applications in both the biomedical and environmental engineering fields - Chapters are written by authors with diverse background expertise from the faculties of chemistry, engineering and the manufacturing industry

This book covers a broad range of polymeric materials and provides industry professionals and researchers in polymer science and technology with a single, comprehensive book summarizing all aspects involved in the functional materials production chain.This volume presents the latest developments and trends in advanced polymer materials and structur

New Developments in Polymer Research