This book is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of self-reinforced polymer composites (SRCs) science and technology. After introducing the fundamental characteristics of SRCs, ample space is given to manufacturing, processing, characterization and application techniques. The approach is didactic and focused on formulations, illustrations and applications, which makes the book ideal for students, teachers and practitioners alike.

This book discusses the concept of single polymer composites (SPCs), their preparation, and properties and the main factors which affect the manufacturing of this class of composites. It deals with the leading classes of polymers, chapter wise, which have been majorly explored for manufacturing SPCs – polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and LCPs – includes a case study on manufacturing of SPCs, and devotes three chapters to detailed analyses of research on all-cellulose composites. Addressing the concerns of the researchers, it also answers intriguing questions in the field of SPCs with pointers to the right references. Key Features Presents a summary of single polymer composites based on various polymers Includes mechanical and thermal properties of single polymer composites Reviews detailed view of eco-friendly approaches to composites Offers a special focus on all-cellulose composites Supports concepts with figures, schemes, and tables

Having fully established themselves as workable engineering materials, composite materials are now increasingly commonplace around the world. Serves as both a text and reference guide to the behavior of composite materials in different engineering applications. Revised for this Second Edition, the text includes a general discussion of composites as material, practical aspects of design and performance, and further analysis that will be helpful to those engaged in research on composites. Each chapter closes with references for further reading and a set of problems that will be useful in developing a better understanding of the subject.

This book, consisting of 21 articles, including three review papers, written by research groups of experts in the field, considers recent research on reinforced polymer composites. Most of them relate to the fiber-reinforced polymer composites, which are a real hot topic in the field. Depending on the reinforcing fiber nature, such composites are divided into synthetic and natural fiber-reinforced ones. Synthetic fibers, such as carbon, glass, or basalt, provide more stiffness, while natural fibers, such as jute, flax, bamboo, kenaf, and others, are inexpensive and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. To acquire the benefits of design flexibility and recycling possibilities, natural reinforcers can be hybridized with small amounts of synthetic fibers to make them more desirable for technical applications. Elaborated composites have great potential as structural materials in automotive, marine and aerospace application, as fire resistant concrete, in bridge systems, as mechanical gear pair, as biomedical materials for dentistry and orthopedic application and tissue engineering, as well as functional materials such as proton-exchange membranes, biodegradable superabsorbent resins and polymer electrolytes.

The potential application areas for polymer composites are vast. While techniques and methodologies for composites design are relatively well established, the knowledge and understanding of post-design issues lag far behind. This leads to designs and eventually composites with disappointing properties and unnecessarily high cost, thus impeding a wider industrial acceptance of polymer composites. Manufacturing of Polymer Composites completely covers pre- and post-design issues. While the book enables students to become fully comfortable with composites as a possible materials choice, it also provides sufficient knowledge about manufacturing-related issues to permit them to avoid common pitfalls and unmanufacturable designs. The book is a fully comprehensive text covering all commercially significant materials and manufacturing techniques while at the same time discussing areas of research and development that are nearing commercial reality.

This book extensively reviews Polypropylene (PP), the second most widely produced thermoplastic material, having been produced for over 60 years. Its synthesis, processing and application are still accompanied by vigorous R&D developments because the properties of PP are at the borderline between those of commodity and engineering thermoplastics. Readers are introduced to various tacticities and polymorphs of PP, and their effects on structural properties. Further, the book addresses the control of optical properties using nucleants, provides strategies for overcoming the limited cold/impact resistance of PP, examines in detail the effects of recycling, and presents guidelines for the property modification of PPs through foaming, filling and reinforcing with respect to target applications. Special attention is paid to descriptions and models of properties as a function of morphological variables. Last but not least, the book suggests potential practical applications of PP-based systems, especially in the packaging, appliances, building/construction, textile and automotive sectors. Each chapter, written by internationally respected scientists, reflects the current state-of-art in the respective field and offers a vital source of information for students, researchers and engineers interested in the morphology, properties, testing and modeling of PP and PP-based systems. The content is indispensable to the appropriate application of PPs and related composites.

This book provides another approach for the replacement of glass- and other inorganic fibers as reinforcement for polymer composites. The materials utilized include synthetic, petroleum-based polymesr but prepared here they come in the form of fibers, micro- or nanofibrils. Although this approach does not have the advantages of natural fibers being biodegradable and thus environmentally harmless. At the same time, synthetic polymer-polymer composites seem to be much more acceptable from an environmental point of view than glass fiber reinforced composites because tof their organic in nature. In addition to their environmental advantages, as compared to the polymer composites with mineral reinforcement with high loading rates, they are distinguished by much better specific mechanical properties. This property allows to manufacture light-weight products and constructions, a fact of particular importance in transportation vehicles and aircrafts. An international team of researchers, working in this area, collected the state-of-the-art results and demonstrate the application of synthetic, but organic materials in the form of carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes,or fibers or micro- and nanofibrils as replacements for mineral reinforcements.

Self-Healing Composite Materials: From Designs to Applications provides a unique resource on self-healing composites for materials scientists and engineers in academia, as well as researchers involved in the aerospace, automotive, wind-generation, construction, consumer goods and marine industries. There is a huge demand for self-healing composites that respond to their environment like living matter. Unlike other composites, self-healing composites are combined with carbon materials and resins to form a recoverable composite material. This book covers the manufacturing, design and characterization of self-healing composites, including their morphological, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The title begins with mathematical background and then considers innovative approaches to physical modeling, analysis and design techniques, providing a robust knowledge of modern self-healing composites with commercial applications. - Covers composite fabrication from polymer, nano oxides, epoxy and plastics - Gives detailed examples on how self-healing composites may be used - Provides readers with a robust knowledge of self-healing composites - Presents a unified approach to these human-friendly, commercially valuable materials

Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites Discover a comprehensive exploration of fiber reinforced polymers by an expert team of editors Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer several unique properties that make them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to marine, construction, and co-industrial. In Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, a distinguished team of mechanical engineers delivers a comprehensive overview of fiber reinforced composites. This edited volume includes thorough discussions of glass-, cotton-, and carbon-fiber reinforced materials, as well as the tribological properties and non-structural applications of synthetic fiber composites. Readers will also find practical explorations of the structural evolution, mechanical features, and future possibilities of fiber, textile, and nano-cementitious materials. The physical and chemical properties of cotton fiber-based composites are explored at length, as are the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, and field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. This singular book also includes: A thorough discussion of recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, their implications, and the opportunities that arise as a result A comprehensive exploration of the thermal behavior of natural fiber-based composites An insightful review of the literature on sisal fiber with polymer matrices A response to the growing research gap in the existing literature regarding natural fiber-based polymer composites and solutions to address it Perfect for scientists, engineers, professors, and students working in areas involving natural and synthetic reinforced polymers and composites, Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications offers a one-of-a-kind resource to help readers understand a critical and rapidly evolving technology.

Given such properties as low density and high strength, polymer matrix composites have become a widely used material in the aerospace and other industries. Polymer matrix composites and technology provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance.After an introductory chapter, part one reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them. Part two discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites. The final part of the book covers key aspects of performance, including tensile, compression, shear and bending properties as well as impact, fatigue and creep behaviour.Polymer matrix composites and technology provides both students and those in industry with a valuable introduction to and overview of this important class of materials. - Provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance incorporating naming and classification of composite materials - Reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them including damage mechanisms - Discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites outlining various techniques and technologies