Sabu Thomas is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at Mahatma Gandhi University (India). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences. Thomas has published over 300 papers in peer reviewed journals on his polymer composite, membrane separation, polymer blend and alloy, and polymer recycling research and has edited three books.Kuruvilla Joseph is a Reader at St. Berchmans' College (India). He has held a number of visiting research fellowships and has published ca. 50 papers on polymer composites and blends.S. K. Malhotra is Chief Design Engineer and Head of the Composites Technology Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He has published over 100 journal and proceedings papers on polymer and alumina-zirconia composites.Koichi Goda is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yamaguchi University. His major scientific fields of interest are reliability and engineering analysis of composite materials and development and evaluation of environmentally friendly and other advanced composite materials.M. S. Sreekala is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology at Cochin University of Science and Technology (India). She has published over 30 papers on polymer composites (including biodegradable and green composites) in peer reviewed journals and has held a number of Research Fellowships, including those from the Humboldt Foundation and Japan Society for Promotion of Science.

• The Editors XIIIList of Contributors XV1 State of the Art – Nanomechanics 1Amrita Saritha, Sant Kumar Malhotra, Sabu Thomas, Kuruvilla Joseph, Koichi Goda, and Meyyarappallil Sadasivan Sreekala1.1 Introduction 11.2 Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Composites 31.3 Exfoliation–Adsorption 41.4 In Situ Intercalative Polymerization Method 51.5 Melt Intercalation 61.6 Nanofiber-Reinforced Composites 71.7 Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites 71.8 Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites 81.9 Future Outlook 9References 92 Synthesis, Surface Modification, and Characterization of Nanoparticles 13Liaosha Wang, Jianhua Li, Ruoyu Hong, and Hongzhong Li2.1 Introduction 132.2 Synthesis and Modification of Nanoparticles 132.2.1 Synthesis of Nanoparticles 132.2.2 Synthesis of Titania Nanoparticles 142.2.3 Microwave Synthesis of Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.4 Magnetic Field Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.5 Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles without Inert Gas Protection 162.2.6 Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles by Two Different Methods 162.2.7 Synthesis of Silica Powders by Pressured Carbonation 172.2.8 MW-Assisted Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.2.9 Molten Salt Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.3 Modification of Nanoparticles 192.3.1 Surface Modification of ZnO Nanoparticles 202.3.2 Surface Modification of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 202.3.3 Surface Modification of Silica Nanoparticles 232.4 Preparation and Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 232.4.1 Nanopolymer Matrix Composites 232.5 Preparation of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 262.5.1 Sol–Gel Processing 262.5.2 In Situ Polymerization 272.5.3 Particle In Situ Formation 272.5.4 Blending 282.5.4.1 Solution Blending 282.5.4.2 Emulsion or Suspension Blending 302.5.4.3 Melt Blending 312.5.4.4 Mechanical Grinding/Blending 312.5.5 Others 312.6 Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 322.6.1 X-Ray Diffraction 322.6.2 Infrared Spectroscopy 332.6.3 Mechanical Property Test 342.6.4 Abrasion Resistance Test 352.6.5 Impact Strength 362.6.6 Flexural Test 372.6.7 Others 382.7 Applications of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 392.7.1 Applications of Bi-YIG Films and Bi-YIG Nanoparticle-Doped PMMA 392.7.1.1 Magneto-Optical Isolator 402.7.1.2 Magneto-Optical Sensor 412.7.1.3 Tuned Filter 422.7.1.4 Magneto-Optical Recorder 422.7.1.5 Magneto-Optic Modulator 432.7.1.6 Magneto-Optic Switch 442.8 Application of Magnetic Fe3O4-Based Nanocomposites 442.9 Applications of ZnO-Based Nanocomposites 462.9.1 Gas Sensing Materials 462.9.2 Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dye 462.9.3 Benard Convection Resin Lacquer Coating 472.10 Applications of Magnetic Fluid 48References 493 Theory and Simulation in Nanocomposites 53Qinghua Zeng and Aibing Yu3.1 Introduction 533.1.1 Dispersion of Nanoparticles 533.1.2 Interface 543.1.3 Crystallization 543.1.4 Property Prediction 543.2 Analytical and Numerical Techniques 553.2.1 Analytical Models 553.2.2 Numerical Methods 563.2.3 Multiscale Modeling 573.3 Formation of Nanocomposites 583.3.1 Thermodynamics of Nanocomposite Formation 583.3.2 Kinetics of Nanocomposite Formation 593.3.3 Morphology of Polymer Nanocomposites 603.4 Mechanical Properties 623.4.1 Stiffness and Strength 623.4.2 Stress Transfer 643.4.3 Mechanical Reinforcement 643.4.4 Interfacial Bonding 653.5 Mechanical Failure 653.5.1 Buckling 653.5.2 Fatigue 663.5.3 Fracture 663.5.4 Wear 663.5.5 Creep 673.6 Thermal Properties 673.6.1 Thermal Conductivity 673.6.2 Thermal Expansion 683.7 Barrier Properties 693.8 Rheological Properties 703.9 Conclusions 71References 724 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Scattering Methods 75Valerio Causin4.1 Introduction 754.2 X-Ray Diffraction and Scattering 764.2.1 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction 764.2.2 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 774.2.3 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of the Structure of the Polymer Matrix 834.2.4 Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering 844.3 Neutron Scattering 934.4 Light Scattering 96References 995 Mechanical–Viscoelastic Characterization in Nanocomposites 117Vera Realinho, Marcelo Antunes, David Arencon, and Jose I. Velasco5.1 Introduction 1175.2 Factors Affecting the Mechanical Behavior of Nanocomposites 1185.2.1 Influence of the Filler’s Aspect Ratio and Dispersion 1185.2.2 Influence of the Filler–Matrix Interphase 1205.3 Micromechanical Models for Nanocomposites 1215.3.1 Basic Assumptions and Preliminary Concepts 1225.3.1.1 Continuum Models 1225.3.1.2 Equivalent Continuum Model and Self-Similar Model 1235.3.1.3 Finite Element Modeling 1235.3.2 Micromechanical Nanocomposites Modeling 1255.4 Mechanical Characterization of Nanocomposites under Static Loading 1275.4.1 Polymer-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1275.4.2 Polymer–CNT Nanocomposites 1295.4.3 Particulate Polymer Nanocomposites 1305.5 Characterization by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 1315.6 Mechanical Characterization by Means of Indentation Techniques 1335.7 Fracture Toughness Characterization of Nanocomposites 1355.8 Conclusions 139References 1406 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Optical Analysis 147Lucilene Betega de Paiva and Ana Rita Morales6.1 Introduction 1476.2 Influence of Nanoparticles on the Visual Aspect of Nanocomposites 1486.3 Characterization of Appearance 1516.3.1 Gloss 1526.3.2 Haze 1536.3.3 Color 1546.4 Characterization by UV–Visible Spectrophotometry 1566.5 Characterization by Optical Microscopy 158References 1607 Characterization of Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Nanocomposites 163Iren E. Kuznetsova, Boris D. Zaitsev, and Alexander M. Shikhabudinov7.1 Introduction 1637.2 The Influence of the Molding Temperature on the Density of the Nanocomposite Samples Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1647.3 Experimental Study of the Temperature Dependence of the Permittivity of the Nanocomposite Materials 1687.4 Elastic and Viscous Properties of the Nanocomposite Films Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene Matrix 1727.4.1 Technology of Producing the Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1727.4.2 Determination of the Coefficients of Elasticity and Viscosity of Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1737.5 Effect of the Nanoparticle Material Density on the Acoustic Parameters of Nanocomposites Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1797.6 Conclusions 182References 1838 Barrier Properties of Nanocomposites 185Amrita Saritha and Kuruvilla Joseph8.1 Introduction 1858.2 Nanocomposites from Ceramic Oxides 1868.3 Nanocomposites from Nanotubes 1868.4 Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1878.5 Composite Models of Permeation 1918.5.1 Nielsen Model 1918.5.2 Bharadwaj Model 1918.5.3 Fredrickson and Bicerano Model 1928.5.4 Cussler Model 1938.5.5 Gusev and Lusti Model 1938.6 Techniques Used to Study the Permeability of Polymers and Nanocomposites 1958.7 Calculation of Breakthrough Time 1968.8 Applications 1978.9 Conclusions 198References 1989 Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques 201Carola Esposito Corcione, Antonio Greco, Mariaenrica Frigione, and Alfonso Maffezzoli9.1 Introduction 2019.2 Thermal Analysis Methods 2029.2.1 Differential Scanning Calorimetry 2029.2.2 Thermogravimetric Analysis 2099.3 Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 2119.4 Thermal Mechanical Analysis 2149.5 Conclusions 215References 21510 Carbon Nanotube-Filled Polymer Composites 219Dimitrios Tasis and Kostas Papagelis10.1 Introduction 21910.2 Processing Methods 22010.2.1 Common Approaches 22010.3 Novel Approaches 22310.3.1 CNT-Based Membranes and Networks 22310.3.2 CNT-Based Fibers 22910.4 Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials 23210.5 Basic Theory of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials 23210.6 Stress Transfer Efficiency in Composites 23410.7 Mechanical Properties: Selected Literature Data 23610.8 Electrical Properties of Composite Materials 23610.9 Electrical Properties: Selected Literature Data 24010.10 CNT–Polymer Composite Applications 243References 24411 Applications of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 249Thien Phap Nguyen11.1 Introduction 24911.2 Preparation of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 25011.3 Applications of Nanocomposites 25111.3.1 Mechanical Properties and Applications 25111.3.2 Thermal Properties and Applications 25311.3.3 Electrical Properties and Applications 25511.3.4 Optical Properties and Applications 25711.3.4.1 Transmission of Light 25711.3.4.2 Energy Conversion 25911.4 Energy Conversion and Storage Capacity and Applications 26511.5 Biodegradability and Applications 26611.5.1 Nanocomposites for Medical Applications 26611.5.2 Nanocomposites for Drug Release Applications 26811.5.3 Nanocomposites for Food Packaging 26811.6 Conclusion and Outlook 269References 27012 Health Hazards and Recycling and Life Cycle Assessment of Nanomaterials and Their Composites 279Lucas Reijnders12.1 Introduction 27912.2 Health Hazards of Inorganic Nanoparticles 28012.3 Nanocomposite Life Cycles and Life Cycle Assessment 28112.4 Life Cycle Assessment of Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites in Practice 28412.5 Nanocomposite Life Cycle Management, Including Recycling 28512.6 Reducing Nanoparticle-Based Health Hazards and Risks Associated with Nanocomposite Life Cycles 28912.7 Conclusion 291References 291Index 295

Sabu Thomas is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at Mahatma Gandhi University (India). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences. Thomas has published over 300 papers in peer reviewed journals on his polymer composite, membrane separation, polymer blend and alloy, and polymer recycling research and has edited three books.Kuruvilla Joseph is a Reader at St. Berchmans' College (India). He has held a number of visiting research fellowships and has published ca. 50 papers on polymer composites and blends.S. K. Malhotra is Chief Design Engineer and Head of the Composites Technology Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He has published over 100 journal and proceedings papers on polymer and alumina-zirconia composites.Koichi Goda is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yamaguchi University. His major scientific fields of interest are reliability and engineering analysis of composite materials and development and evaluation of environmentally friendly and other advanced composite materials.M. S. Sreekala is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology at Cochin University of Science and Technology (India). She has published over 30 papers on polymer composites (including biodegradable and green composites) in peer reviewed journals and has held a number of Research Fellowships, including those from the Humboldt Foundation and Japan Society for Promotion of Science.

• The Editors XIIIList of Contributors XV1 State of the Art – Nanomechanics 1Amrita Saritha, Sant Kumar Malhotra, Sabu Thomas, Kuruvilla Joseph, Koichi Goda, and Meyyarappallil Sadasivan Sreekala1.1 Introduction 11.2 Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Composites 31.3 Exfoliation–Adsorption 41.4 In Situ Intercalative Polymerization Method 51.5 Melt Intercalation 61.6 Nanofiber-Reinforced Composites 71.7 Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites 71.8 Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites 81.9 Future Outlook 9References 92 Synthesis, Surface Modification, and Characterization of Nanoparticles 13Liaosha Wang, Jianhua Li, Ruoyu Hong, and Hongzhong Li2.1 Introduction 132.2 Synthesis and Modification of Nanoparticles 132.2.1 Synthesis of Nanoparticles 132.2.2 Synthesis of Titania Nanoparticles 142.2.3 Microwave Synthesis of Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.4 Magnetic Field Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.5 Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles without Inert Gas Protection 162.2.6 Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles by Two Different Methods 162.2.7 Synthesis of Silica Powders by Pressured Carbonation 172.2.8 MW-Assisted Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.2.9 Molten Salt Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.3 Modification of Nanoparticles 192.3.1 Surface Modification of ZnO Nanoparticles 202.3.2 Surface Modification of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 202.3.3 Surface Modification of Silica Nanoparticles 232.4 Preparation and Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 232.4.1 Nanopolymer Matrix Composites 232.5 Preparation of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 262.5.1 Sol–Gel Processing 262.5.2 In Situ Polymerization 272.5.3 Particle In Situ Formation 272.5.4 Blending 282.5.4.1 Solution Blending 282.5.4.2 Emulsion or Suspension Blending 302.5.4.3 Melt Blending 312.5.4.4 Mechanical Grinding/Blending 312.5.5 Others 312.6 Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 322.6.1 X-Ray Diffraction 322.6.2 Infrared Spectroscopy 332.6.3 Mechanical Property Test 342.6.4 Abrasion Resistance Test 352.6.5 Impact Strength 362.6.6 Flexural Test 372.6.7 Others 382.7 Applications of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 392.7.1 Applications of Bi-YIG Films and Bi-YIG Nanoparticle-Doped PMMA 392.7.1.1 Magneto-Optical Isolator 402.7.1.2 Magneto-Optical Sensor 412.7.1.3 Tuned Filter 422.7.1.4 Magneto-Optical Recorder 422.7.1.5 Magneto-Optic Modulator 432.7.1.6 Magneto-Optic Switch 442.8 Application of Magnetic Fe3O4-Based Nanocomposites 442.9 Applications of ZnO-Based Nanocomposites 462.9.1 Gas Sensing Materials 462.9.2 Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dye 462.9.3 Benard Convection Resin Lacquer Coating 472.10 Applications of Magnetic Fluid 48References 493 Theory and Simulation in Nanocomposites 53Qinghua Zeng and Aibing Yu3.1 Introduction 533.1.1 Dispersion of Nanoparticles 533.1.2 Interface 543.1.3 Crystallization 543.1.4 Property Prediction 543.2 Analytical and Numerical Techniques 553.2.1 Analytical Models 553.2.2 Numerical Methods 563.2.3 Multiscale Modeling 573.3 Formation of Nanocomposites 583.3.1 Thermodynamics of Nanocomposite Formation 583.3.2 Kinetics of Nanocomposite Formation 593.3.3 Morphology of Polymer Nanocomposites 603.4 Mechanical Properties 623.4.1 Stiffness and Strength 623.4.2 Stress Transfer 643.4.3 Mechanical Reinforcement 643.4.4 Interfacial Bonding 653.5 Mechanical Failure 653.5.1 Buckling 653.5.2 Fatigue 663.5.3 Fracture 663.5.4 Wear 663.5.5 Creep 673.6 Thermal Properties 673.6.1 Thermal Conductivity 673.6.2 Thermal Expansion 683.7 Barrier Properties 693.8 Rheological Properties 703.9 Conclusions 71References 724 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Scattering Methods 75Valerio Causin4.1 Introduction 754.2 X-Ray Diffraction and Scattering 764.2.1 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction 764.2.2 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 774.2.3 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of the Structure of the Polymer Matrix 834.2.4 Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering 844.3 Neutron Scattering 934.4 Light Scattering 96References 995 Mechanical–Viscoelastic Characterization in Nanocomposites 117Vera Realinho, Marcelo Antunes, David Arencon, and Jose I. Velasco5.1 Introduction 1175.2 Factors Affecting the Mechanical Behavior of Nanocomposites 1185.2.1 Influence of the Filler’s Aspect Ratio and Dispersion 1185.2.2 Influence of the Filler–Matrix Interphase 1205.3 Micromechanical Models for Nanocomposites 1215.3.1 Basic Assumptions and Preliminary Concepts 1225.3.1.1 Continuum Models 1225.3.1.2 Equivalent Continuum Model and Self-Similar Model 1235.3.1.3 Finite Element Modeling 1235.3.2 Micromechanical Nanocomposites Modeling 1255.4 Mechanical Characterization of Nanocomposites under Static Loading 1275.4.1 Polymer-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1275.4.2 Polymer–CNT Nanocomposites 1295.4.3 Particulate Polymer Nanocomposites 1305.5 Characterization by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 1315.6 Mechanical Characterization by Means of Indentation Techniques 1335.7 Fracture Toughness Characterization of Nanocomposites 1355.8 Conclusions 139References 1406 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Optical Analysis 147Lucilene Betega de Paiva and Ana Rita Morales6.1 Introduction 1476.2 Influence of Nanoparticles on the Visual Aspect of Nanocomposites 1486.3 Characterization of Appearance 1516.3.1 Gloss 1526.3.2 Haze 1536.3.3 Color 1546.4 Characterization by UV–Visible Spectrophotometry 1566.5 Characterization by Optical Microscopy 158References 1607 Characterization of Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Nanocomposites 163Iren E. Kuznetsova, Boris D. Zaitsev, and Alexander M. Shikhabudinov7.1 Introduction 1637.2 The Influence of the Molding Temperature on the Density of the Nanocomposite Samples Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1647.3 Experimental Study of the Temperature Dependence of the Permittivity of the Nanocomposite Materials 1687.4 Elastic and Viscous Properties of the Nanocomposite Films Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene Matrix 1727.4.1 Technology of Producing the Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1727.4.2 Determination of the Coefficients of Elasticity and Viscosity of Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1737.5 Effect of the Nanoparticle Material Density on the Acoustic Parameters of Nanocomposites Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1797.6 Conclusions 182References 1838 Barrier Properties of Nanocomposites 185Amrita Saritha and Kuruvilla Joseph8.1 Introduction 1858.2 Nanocomposites from Ceramic Oxides 1868.3 Nanocomposites from Nanotubes 1868.4 Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1878.5 Composite Models of Permeation 1918.5.1 Nielsen Model 1918.5.2 Bharadwaj Model 1918.5.3 Fredrickson and Bicerano Model 1928.5.4 Cussler Model 1938.5.5 Gusev and Lusti Model 1938.6 Techniques Used to Study the Permeability of Polymers and Nanocomposites 1958.7 Calculation of Breakthrough Time 1968.8 Applications 1978.9 Conclusions 198References 1989 Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques 201Carola Esposito Corcione, Antonio Greco, Mariaenrica Frigione, and Alfonso Maffezzoli9.1 Introduction 2019.2 Thermal Analysis Methods 2029.2.1 Differential Scanning Calorimetry 2029.2.2 Thermogravimetric Analysis 2099.3 Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 2119.4 Thermal Mechanical Analysis 2149.5 Conclusions 215References 21510 Carbon Nanotube-Filled Polymer Composites 219Dimitrios Tasis and Kostas Papagelis10.1 Introduction 21910.2 Processing Methods 22010.2.1 Common Approaches 22010.3 Novel Approaches 22310.3.1 CNT-Based Membranes and Networks 22310.3.2 CNT-Based Fibers 22910.4 Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials 23210.5 Basic Theory of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials 23210.6 Stress Transfer Efficiency in Composites 23410.7 Mechanical Properties: Selected Literature Data 23610.8 Electrical Properties of Composite Materials 23610.9 Electrical Properties: Selected Literature Data 24010.10 CNT–Polymer Composite Applications 243References 24411 Applications of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 249Thien Phap Nguyen11.1 Introduction 24911.2 Preparation of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 25011.3 Applications of Nanocomposites 25111.3.1 Mechanical Properties and Applications 25111.3.2 Thermal Properties and Applications 25311.3.3 Electrical Properties and Applications 25511.3.4 Optical Properties and Applications 25711.3.4.1 Transmission of Light 25711.3.4.2 Energy Conversion 25911.4 Energy Conversion and Storage Capacity and Applications 26511.5 Biodegradability and Applications 26611.5.1 Nanocomposites for Medical Applications 26611.5.2 Nanocomposites for Drug Release Applications 26811.5.3 Nanocomposites for Food Packaging 26811.6 Conclusion and Outlook 269References 27012 Health Hazards and Recycling and Life Cycle Assessment of Nanomaterials and Their Composites 279Lucas Reijnders12.1 Introduction 27912.2 Health Hazards of Inorganic Nanoparticles 28012.3 Nanocomposite Life Cycles and Life Cycle Assessment 28112.4 Life Cycle Assessment of Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites in Practice 28412.5 Nanocomposite Life Cycle Management, Including Recycling 28512.6 Reducing Nanoparticle-Based Health Hazards and Risks Associated with Nanocomposite Life Cycles 28912.7 Conclusion 291References 291Index 295

Sabu Thomas is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at Mahatma Gandhi University (India). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences. Thomas has published over 300 papers in peer reviewed journals on his polymer composite, membrane separation, polymer blend and alloy, and polymer recycling research and has edited three books.Kuruvilla Joseph is a Reader at St. Berchmans' College (India). He has held a number of visiting research fellowships and has published ca. 50 papers on polymer composites and blends.S. K. Malhotra is Chief Design Engineer and Head of the Composites Technology Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He has published over 100 journal and proceedings papers on polymer and alumina-zirconia composites.Koichi Goda is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yamaguchi University. His major scientific fields of interest are reliability and engineering analysis of composite materials and development and evaluation of environmentally friendly and other advanced composite materials.M. S. Sreekala is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology at Cochin University of Science and Technology (India). She has published over 30 papers on polymer composites (including biodegradable and green composites) in peer reviewed journals and has held a number of Research Fellowships, including those from the Humboldt Foundation and Japan Society for Promotion of Science.

• The Editors XIIIList of Contributors XV1 State of the Art – Nanomechanics 1Amrita Saritha, Sant Kumar Malhotra, Sabu Thomas, Kuruvilla Joseph, Koichi Goda, and Meyyarappallil Sadasivan Sreekala1.1 Introduction 11.2 Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Composites 31.3 Exfoliation–Adsorption 41.4 In Situ Intercalative Polymerization Method 51.5 Melt Intercalation 61.6 Nanofiber-Reinforced Composites 71.7 Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites 71.8 Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites 81.9 Future Outlook 9References 92 Synthesis, Surface Modification, and Characterization of Nanoparticles 13Liaosha Wang, Jianhua Li, Ruoyu Hong, and Hongzhong Li2.1 Introduction 132.2 Synthesis and Modification of Nanoparticles 132.2.1 Synthesis of Nanoparticles 132.2.2 Synthesis of Titania Nanoparticles 142.2.3 Microwave Synthesis of Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.4 Magnetic Field Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 152.2.5 Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles without Inert Gas Protection 162.2.6 Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles by Two Different Methods 162.2.7 Synthesis of Silica Powders by Pressured Carbonation 172.2.8 MW-Assisted Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.2.9 Molten Salt Synthesis of Bisubstituted Yttrium Garnet Nanoparticles 182.3 Modification of Nanoparticles 192.3.1 Surface Modification of ZnO Nanoparticles 202.3.2 Surface Modification of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles 202.3.3 Surface Modification of Silica Nanoparticles 232.4 Preparation and Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 232.4.1 Nanopolymer Matrix Composites 232.5 Preparation of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 262.5.1 Sol–Gel Processing 262.5.2 In Situ Polymerization 272.5.3 Particle In Situ Formation 272.5.4 Blending 282.5.4.1 Solution Blending 282.5.4.2 Emulsion or Suspension Blending 302.5.4.3 Melt Blending 312.5.4.4 Mechanical Grinding/Blending 312.5.5 Others 312.6 Characterization of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 322.6.1 X-Ray Diffraction 322.6.2 Infrared Spectroscopy 332.6.3 Mechanical Property Test 342.6.4 Abrasion Resistance Test 352.6.5 Impact Strength 362.6.6 Flexural Test 372.6.7 Others 382.7 Applications of Polymer–Inorganic Nanocomposites 392.7.1 Applications of Bi-YIG Films and Bi-YIG Nanoparticle-Doped PMMA 392.7.1.1 Magneto-Optical Isolator 402.7.1.2 Magneto-Optical Sensor 412.7.1.3 Tuned Filter 422.7.1.4 Magneto-Optical Recorder 422.7.1.5 Magneto-Optic Modulator 432.7.1.6 Magneto-Optic Switch 442.8 Application of Magnetic Fe3O4-Based Nanocomposites 442.9 Applications of ZnO-Based Nanocomposites 462.9.1 Gas Sensing Materials 462.9.2 Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dye 462.9.3 Benard Convection Resin Lacquer Coating 472.10 Applications of Magnetic Fluid 48References 493 Theory and Simulation in Nanocomposites 53Qinghua Zeng and Aibing Yu3.1 Introduction 533.1.1 Dispersion of Nanoparticles 533.1.2 Interface 543.1.3 Crystallization 543.1.4 Property Prediction 543.2 Analytical and Numerical Techniques 553.2.1 Analytical Models 553.2.2 Numerical Methods 563.2.3 Multiscale Modeling 573.3 Formation of Nanocomposites 583.3.1 Thermodynamics of Nanocomposite Formation 583.3.2 Kinetics of Nanocomposite Formation 593.3.3 Morphology of Polymer Nanocomposites 603.4 Mechanical Properties 623.4.1 Stiffness and Strength 623.4.2 Stress Transfer 643.4.3 Mechanical Reinforcement 643.4.4 Interfacial Bonding 653.5 Mechanical Failure 653.5.1 Buckling 653.5.2 Fatigue 663.5.3 Fracture 663.5.4 Wear 663.5.5 Creep 673.6 Thermal Properties 673.6.1 Thermal Conductivity 673.6.2 Thermal Expansion 683.7 Barrier Properties 693.8 Rheological Properties 703.9 Conclusions 71References 724 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Scattering Methods 75Valerio Causin4.1 Introduction 754.2 X-Ray Diffraction and Scattering 764.2.1 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction 764.2.2 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 774.2.3 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction in the Characterization of the Structure of the Polymer Matrix 834.2.4 Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering 844.3 Neutron Scattering 934.4 Light Scattering 96References 995 Mechanical–Viscoelastic Characterization in Nanocomposites 117Vera Realinho, Marcelo Antunes, David Arencon, and Jose I. Velasco5.1 Introduction 1175.2 Factors Affecting the Mechanical Behavior of Nanocomposites 1185.2.1 Influence of the Filler’s Aspect Ratio and Dispersion 1185.2.2 Influence of the Filler–Matrix Interphase 1205.3 Micromechanical Models for Nanocomposites 1215.3.1 Basic Assumptions and Preliminary Concepts 1225.3.1.1 Continuum Models 1225.3.1.2 Equivalent Continuum Model and Self-Similar Model 1235.3.1.3 Finite Element Modeling 1235.3.2 Micromechanical Nanocomposites Modeling 1255.4 Mechanical Characterization of Nanocomposites under Static Loading 1275.4.1 Polymer-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1275.4.2 Polymer–CNT Nanocomposites 1295.4.3 Particulate Polymer Nanocomposites 1305.5 Characterization by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 1315.6 Mechanical Characterization by Means of Indentation Techniques 1335.7 Fracture Toughness Characterization of Nanocomposites 1355.8 Conclusions 139References 1406 Characterization of Nanocomposites by Optical Analysis 147Lucilene Betega de Paiva and Ana Rita Morales6.1 Introduction 1476.2 Influence of Nanoparticles on the Visual Aspect of Nanocomposites 1486.3 Characterization of Appearance 1516.3.1 Gloss 1526.3.2 Haze 1536.3.3 Color 1546.4 Characterization by UV–Visible Spectrophotometry 1566.5 Characterization by Optical Microscopy 158References 1607 Characterization of Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Nanocomposites 163Iren E. Kuznetsova, Boris D. Zaitsev, and Alexander M. Shikhabudinov7.1 Introduction 1637.2 The Influence of the Molding Temperature on the Density of the Nanocomposite Samples Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1647.3 Experimental Study of the Temperature Dependence of the Permittivity of the Nanocomposite Materials 1687.4 Elastic and Viscous Properties of the Nanocomposite Films Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene Matrix 1727.4.1 Technology of Producing the Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1727.4.2 Determination of the Coefficients of Elasticity and Viscosity of Nanocomposite Polymeric Films 1737.5 Effect of the Nanoparticle Material Density on the Acoustic Parameters of Nanocomposites Based on the Low-Density Polyethylene 1797.6 Conclusions 182References 1838 Barrier Properties of Nanocomposites 185Amrita Saritha and Kuruvilla Joseph8.1 Introduction 1858.2 Nanocomposites from Ceramic Oxides 1868.3 Nanocomposites from Nanotubes 1868.4 Layered Silicate Nanocomposites 1878.5 Composite Models of Permeation 1918.5.1 Nielsen Model 1918.5.2 Bharadwaj Model 1918.5.3 Fredrickson and Bicerano Model 1928.5.4 Cussler Model 1938.5.5 Gusev and Lusti Model 1938.6 Techniques Used to Study the Permeability of Polymers and Nanocomposites 1958.7 Calculation of Breakthrough Time 1968.8 Applications 1978.9 Conclusions 198References 1989 Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques 201Carola Esposito Corcione, Antonio Greco, Mariaenrica Frigione, and Alfonso Maffezzoli9.1 Introduction 2019.2 Thermal Analysis Methods 2029.2.1 Differential Scanning Calorimetry 2029.2.2 Thermogravimetric Analysis 2099.3 Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 2119.4 Thermal Mechanical Analysis 2149.5 Conclusions 215References 21510 Carbon Nanotube-Filled Polymer Composites 219Dimitrios Tasis and Kostas Papagelis10.1 Introduction 21910.2 Processing Methods 22010.2.1 Common Approaches 22010.3 Novel Approaches 22310.3.1 CNT-Based Membranes and Networks 22310.3.2 CNT-Based Fibers 22910.4 Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials 23210.5 Basic Theory of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials 23210.6 Stress Transfer Efficiency in Composites 23410.7 Mechanical Properties: Selected Literature Data 23610.8 Electrical Properties of Composite Materials 23610.9 Electrical Properties: Selected Literature Data 24010.10 CNT–Polymer Composite Applications 243References 24411 Applications of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 249Thien Phap Nguyen11.1 Introduction 24911.2 Preparation of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites 25011.3 Applications of Nanocomposites 25111.3.1 Mechanical Properties and Applications 25111.3.2 Thermal Properties and Applications 25311.3.3 Electrical Properties and Applications 25511.3.4 Optical Properties and Applications 25711.3.4.1 Transmission of Light 25711.3.4.2 Energy Conversion 25911.4 Energy Conversion and Storage Capacity and Applications 26511.5 Biodegradability and Applications 26611.5.1 Nanocomposites for Medical Applications 26611.5.2 Nanocomposites for Drug Release Applications 26811.5.3 Nanocomposites for Food Packaging 26811.6 Conclusion and Outlook 269References 27012 Health Hazards and Recycling and Life Cycle Assessment of Nanomaterials and Their Composites 279Lucas Reijnders12.1 Introduction 27912.2 Health Hazards of Inorganic Nanoparticles 28012.3 Nanocomposite Life Cycles and Life Cycle Assessment 28112.4 Life Cycle Assessment of Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites in Practice 28412.5 Nanocomposite Life Cycle Management, Including Recycling 28512.6 Reducing Nanoparticle-Based Health Hazards and Risks Associated with Nanocomposite Life Cycles 28912.7 Conclusion 291References 291Index 295